Associate Dentist | Step Into an Established Patient Base | $250K–$350K + $800/Day Guarantee | Implant Mentorship & Path to Partnership | Herrin, IL

Hughes Dental Arts and Implant Center is a thriving, fast-growing practice in Herrin, Illinois, in the heart of beautiful Southern Illinois. We're a tight-knit, family-oriented team committed to exceptional patient care and to the professional and personal growth of everyone here.

Our practice pairs a busy general dentistry side with a dedicated Implant Center led by Dr. Hughes, an experienced implant surgeon. For an associate, that means stepping into an established general practice with an accomplished mentor on-site, and the chance to grow your skills well beyond the everyday.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: 33% of production (minus lab fees)

Expected Earnings: $250,000–$350,000 annually

Daily Guarantee: $800 per day for the first 3 months

Benefits Include:

• Health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• IRA with employer matching
• Paid holidays and 2 weeks paid vacation in year one, with PTO increasing each year
• $4,000 sign-on bonus ($2,000 at start, then $500 every 6 months until fulfilled)
• Continuing education support (flexible, based on the CE you'd like to pursue)
• Relocation assistance available (negotiable, depending on circumstances)

The Opportunity

This is a full-time or part-time role, with flexibility to find the right fit for the right candidate.
You'll step into an established, busy patient base, so rather than building a schedule from scratch, you're productive from the start. Our practice is modern and expanding, with a newly enlarged facility opening in fall 2026.

Schedule:

• Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Flexibility in those days, with the option of Fridays a possibility

You'll practice a broad, full scope of general dentistry, including:

• Fillings, fixed and removable prosthodontics
• Extractions
• Root canals (Wave One system)
• Implant restorations
• Invisalign (optional) and cosmetic dentistry (based on proficiency)
• Pediatric dentistry
• Diagnosis and treatment planning, plus advancing digital workflows (with the chance to learn Exocad)

Mentorship & Growth

Mentorship is central to this opportunity. You'll have daily guidance in general dentistry from an experienced mentor, and for the right associate, a genuine pathway into implant dentistry, including access to formal, university-affiliated implant training for those who want to take their skills that far.

Whether you want to strengthen your general dentistry or grow into advanced implant work, there's real support to take you as far as you'd like to go. For the right long-term fit, this role also offers a genuine path toward partnership.

Technology & Systems

Our practice is exceptionally well-equipped and fully digital, including:

• Digital 2D radiography and CBCT imaging
• iTero Lumina scanner and Tupel photogrammetry (for full-arch implant cases)
• Zirconia in-office milling (IO FastMill) and a SprintRay S 3D printer
• Electric handpieces, diode and BioLase lasers, and the Wave One endodontic system
• Dentrix practice management, paperless charts, and an AI scribe
• J. Morita photography and IV sedation capabilities

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is:

• A licensed general dentist, we welcome a range of experience levels, from new graduates to seasoned clinicians
• Highly motivated to learn the keys to success in private practice, everything essential can be taught through mentorship
• Committed to excellent clinical skills and judgment, with a genuine thirst for learning
• A strong communicator with great interpersonal skills
• A team player who can also work independently
• Open-minded to new ideas and methods, with a continually positive attitude
• Interest in oral implantology is a welcome bonus

Location Highlights

Herrin, in Southern Illinois, offers a rare blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and small-town charm. The area offers:

• The scenic Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods, plus local wineries, lakes, and abundant outdoor recreation
• A welcoming community with short commutes and genuine work-life balance
• An affordable cost of living in one of Illinois' most beautiful regions
• About a 2-hour drive from St. Louis, Missouri, for big-city amenities
• Convenient access to regional airports, with St. Louis Lambert International within reach

This is an exceptional place to build your career and enjoy a high quality of life.

Ready to Apply

If you're a motivated dentist who wants to step into an established patient base, receive world-class mentorship (including a genuine path into implant dentistry and a master's degree), and build toward partnership, we'd love to connect.

Apply today to learn more about joining Hughes Dental Arts and Implant Center.