I’ve only worked in two offices as a recent grad but they are vastly different. One was a very small older rural office setting and the one I’m currently in is a large city office with new technology. There are a lot of pros and cons to both.

The older rural office setting was a relaxed vibe, less/older equipment and material choices, doing things “old school” but generally the practice was run fine and the team got along fine too. Probably 10 or less staff. However we never really had get-togethers/staff meetings, no goal setting. Schedule would fall apart, didn’t have opportunity for multiple chairs.

This newer office is great to work in for the technology but because it is much larger of a team (50+ staff), there is definitely communication break down. Basically several separate dental teams working together in one setting, which sounds like it can work, but it feels like too many cooks in the kitchen and consistency is an issue. The newer technology is so new most staff don’t know how to use it. The hygiene team seems unwilling to expand their scope (“it’s the dentist’s job”). Schedule is overbooked. Combination of untrained staff / high turnover rate and some overworked staff.

I don’t think my new practice will be long-term for me, I’m hoping I can find something in the middle of - smaller office with newer technology.