The landscape of dentistry has evolved significantly over the years. When I began my career, private practice was the norm. Most dental graduates either purchased a practice or started as associates immediately after completing their education. However, the current environment presents new challenges. Today’s dental graduates face unprecedented financial burdens, with debt loads often five times higher than before. This has made corporate dentistry an appealing and accessible option for many.
The path to becoming a dental business owner in 2025 presents significantly more challenges compared to when I began my career. I purchased my first dental practice in 1995 and successfully managed it until 2018, when I sold the practice and relocated to Portland, Oregon. In 2019, I embarked on the journey of starting a private practice from the ground up. Reflecting on this experience, I encountered challenges that were not on my radar when I first ventured into practice ownership in 1995. The obstacles underscore how the landscape of dentistry has evolved, requiring adaptability, resilience, and a fresh perspective to thrive as a dental business owner today.
The top five challenges I realized in being a private practice dental owner in today’s dental market include:
1. Increased Competition from Corporate Dentistry
The rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and corporate-owned practices has intensified competition. These organizations often benefit from economies of scale, lower overhead costs, and significant marketing budgets, making it harder for private practices to compete on price, convenience, and visibility.
2. High Overhead Costs and Financial Pressures
Running a private practice involves significant expenses, such as equipment, staffing, office rent, and dental supplies. Combined with student loan debt for many dentists, these financial burdens can make it challenging to maintain profitability, especially in a market with price-sensitive patients.
3. Administrative and Regulatory Burdens
Private practice owners must manage both clinical and business responsibilities. Handling billing, insurance claims, regulatory compliance, and human resources can be time-consuming and stressful, leaving less time for patient care. Increasing regulations, such as HIPAA compliance and OSHA standards, add further complexity.
4. Difficulty in Attracting and Retaining Talent
Recruiting skilled associates, hygienists, and administrative staff can be difficult, particularly for practices in smaller or rural areas. The competitive market often favors larger organizations that can offer higher salaries, better benefits, and clearer career growth paths.
5. Changing Patient Expectations and Market Trends
Patients increasingly demand convenience, advanced technology, and flexible payment options. This shift requires private practices to invest in expensive technology (e.g., digital dentistry, AI-based tools) and adapt to consumer-focused trends like online booking, extended hours, and financing solutions, which can strain resources.
This shift underscores the critical need for connection and mutual support among dental business owners. Independent dental practices play a vital role in patient care by offering a unique and personalized experience that cannot be replicated in other settings. However, the practice of dentistry can often feel isolating, and the rise of digital platforms has further reduced opportunities for in-person interaction. Many of us now attend continuing education courses online or participate in virtual meetings, further limiting social engagement.
By fostering connections with fellow dental business owners and private practice consultants, we can overcome these challenges. Collaboration and shared insights allow us to navigate the complexities of running a private practice, ensuring its growth and success. Together, we can create innovative solutions that not only sustain our practices but also enable them to thrive in ways we never imagined. Connection is more than a necessity—it is the foundation for the continued excellence and individuality of independent dentistry.
These challenges reflect the evolving dental industry, where balancing clinical excellence with business acumen is critical for success in private practice. How do we overcome these issues? Where do we learn the secrets of successful dental practice ownership? The Academy for Private Dental Practice was my key to success in my early years and APDP helped me launch my second business in a highly competitive corporate-dental saturated west coast market.
The Academy for Private Dental Practice (APDP) is the solution to these challenges in today’s private practice dental climate. Attending APDP meetings provides a unique opportunity to connect with highly successful private practice dental business owners and consultants. These connections foster collaboration, allowing us to share insights and strategies for overcoming obstacles. APDP equips dental professionals with the tools to become better leaders while enhancing both personal and professional growth potential. Through the resources and community offered by APDP, we gain the confidence and knowledge to navigate the complexities of private practice ownership. Connection is not just a benefit—it is the key to thriving in an ever-changing industry, preserving the individuality of independent dentistry, and unlocking our full potential as dental professionals.
The Academy for Private Dental Practice is excited for our Annual Meeting, taking place from March 6–8, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. This event is unlike any other—a relaxing retreat designed to inspire, educate, and rejuvenate. Set at the base of the stunning Catalina Mountains, this boutique-style gathering offers a harmonious blend of professional growth and personal well-being. Attendees will enjoy farm-to-table culinary experiences, along with
opportunities for morning yoga, tai chi, and sound bath sessions.
This unique weekend retreat will empower you to become a better dental business owner, enhance your leadership skills, and cultivate greater self-awareness. Join us for a transformative journey of personal and professional development in an unparalleled setting of relaxation
and renewal.
1 comment
Every private practice dentist should belog
APDP is the original private practice organization focused on practice growth, profitability and success. I’ve been to their annual meeting over the past several years, and always walk away with a new appreciation for private practice and a bunch of new friends.