Traditional solo practices are becoming less common as dentists gravitate toward group practices, a trend that is likely to continue. Fewer dentists were in solo practices in 2017 (51%) than in 2010 (56%), a trend even more evident among dentists ages 35 to 44, from 49% in 2010 to 40% in 2017, and dentists younger than 35, from 27% in 2010 to 21% in 2017.
Practice ownership has also declined, with 78% of dentists owning their practice in 2017 compared to 84% of dentists in 2005, with a sharper decrease among dentists under 35, from 44% in 2005 to 28% in 2017.
In contrast, group practice affiliation has risen. In 2017, 8.8% of U.S. dentists were affiliated with a dental service organization (DSO). Among dentists younger than 35, that share was 17.9%.
Learn more at ADA.org/HPI.
This trending should not be a shock. It should serve as a shot across the bow if you are in organized dentistry. The market is changing rapidly and I am afraid private practice ownership will come under considerable pressure. The delivery model for private practice needs to move from solo to small groups. Fight fire with fire!
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