Finding Your Path to Dental Practice Ownership with Dr. Tara
Dr. Tara represents a growing segment of dentists who are challenging the traditional assumptions about practice ownership. As an associate doctor with four years of experience in a 30-person practice, she brings a unique perspective to the dental ownership conversation. Her journey from South Florida through dental school and her recent Cincinnati practice experience provides valuable insights into the evolving mindset of today's dental professionals.
What makes Dr. Tara's story particularly compelling is her willingness to question the status quo. She's moved beyond the typical new graduate concerns about student loans and job security to deeply examine what truly fulfills her as a dentist. Her experience in a large group practice has given her the knowledge to make informed decisions about her future career path, whether that leads to ownership or remains in associateship.
The conversation with Jonathan Miller of From Dentist to DeNovo explores the fundamental question that many young dentists face: Is ownership right for me? Dr. Tara's honest assessment of both the benefits and challenges of practice ownership provides a refreshing perspective that goes beyond the typical "you should own your own practice" narrative. This discussion reveals how personal values, work preferences, and life goals intersect with professional decisions.
The Generational Shift: Why Ownership Isn't Automatic Anymore
The dental profession is experiencing a significant generational shift regarding practice ownership. Dr. Tara observes that many of her peers are choosing associateship over ownership, viewing corporate dentistry and large group practices as viable long-term career options. This represents a departure from previous generations who almost automatically assumed they would eventually own their own practices.
Several factors contribute to this shift. The ease of becoming an associate in today's market provides immediate employment opportunities without the financial and operational burdens of ownership. Corporate dental offices actively recruit new graduates, offering competitive salaries and benefits packages that make associateship attractive. For many young dentists, the predictability of associateship income and the absence of business management responsibilities outweigh the potential benefits of ownership.
However, this trend creates opportunities for those who do choose ownership. Dr. Tara recognizes that the decreasing interest in ownership among her generation could benefit those willing to take on the challenge. With fewer dentists pursuing ownership, there may be less competition for practice acquisitions and more opportunities for startups in underserved markets. This dynamic suggests that motivated individuals who understand the rewards of ownership may find themselves in an advantageous position.
The Reality Behind the Multi-Doctor Practice Dream
Working in a large multi-doctor practice initially impressed Dr. Tara, who once bragged about the size and activity level of her workplace. However, her experience revealed the hidden challenges of such environments. The constant movement between operatories, the pressure to stay on schedule, and the feeling of being rushed from patient to patient began to affect her job satisfaction and patient care quality.
The revelation came gradually as Dr. Tara recognized what made her professional days feel unsuccessful. She identified that her worst days occurred when she felt hurried between patients, unable to give each person her full attention. The interruptions from staff calling her to the next room while she was still engaged with a current patient created stress for both her and her patients. This realization led to a fundamental shift in her understanding of what constitutes a quality dental practice.
The size and busyness of a practice don't automatically translate to better patient care or professional satisfaction. Dr. Tara's experience demonstrates that the intimate, focused connection between dentist and patient often suffers in high-volume environments. Her preference for giving patients undivided attention, even if it means fewer patients per day, reflects a values-based approach to dentistry that prioritizes quality over quantity. This insight has significant implications for how she views her future practice model.
Overcoming Analysis Paralysis: The Science vs. Gut Balance
Dental education emphasizes scientific thinking, data analysis, and systematic approaches to problem-solving. This training creates highly capable clinical practitioners but can also lead to analysis paralysis when facing the uncertainties of practice ownership. Dr. Tara recognizes how her profession's emphasis on calculated, evidence-based decisions makes the leap to ownership particularly challenging.
The predictable path from dental school through residency or employment provides comfort through its structured nature. Each step has clear requirements and measurable outcomes. In contrast, practice ownership involves numerous variables, market uncertainties, and personal factors that can't be easily quantified. This mismatch between training and real-world business decisions explains why many dentists struggle with ownership decisions.
Following your gut feelings becomes crucial for dentist-owners, even when data isn't conclusive. Dr. Tara acknowledges instances where she ignored her instincts and later regretted it. Learning to balance analytical thinking with intuitive decision-making represents a critical skill for successful practice ownership. The ability to take calculated risks while accepting some uncertainty distinguishes successful owners from those who remain perpetually in the planning stage.
Essential Steps for Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
The fear of failure and responsibility for others' livelihoods represents the biggest concern for potential practice owners like Dr. Tara. This fear often manifests as concern for team members' families and the pressure of ensuring steady employment for staff. However, addressing these fears requires practical steps and a shift in perspective.
Key Action Steps for Prospective Owners:
Build a Strong Support Team
Find trusted advisors including attorneys, CPAs, and consultants
Invest in quality team members even if it means higher initial expenses
Establish relationships with mentors who have successfully navigated ownership
Listen to Market Feedback
Conduct patient surveys to understand what they value
Pay attention to what keeps patients coming back
Identify services and experiences that differentiate your practice
Maintain Consistency
Develop and stick to standard operating procedures
Ensure every patient receives the same high-quality experience
Train staff to deliver consistent service regardless of circumstances
Cut Non-Essential Activities
Identify time-wasters and distractions
Delegate or eliminate tasks that don't contribute to practice goals
Focus energy on activities that directly impact practice success
Starting with these foundational elements helps transform fear into confidence. The key lies in taking incremental steps rather than attempting to solve all problems simultaneously. Each small action builds momentum and reduces the overwhelming nature of practice ownership decisions.
Take Control of Your Professional Future
The conversation between Jonathan Miller and Dr. Tara illuminates a crucial truth about modern dentistry: there's no single correct path for every practitioner. Whether you choose associateship, partnership, acquisition, or startup depends entirely on your personal values, professional goals, and life circumstances.
If you're an associate dentist questioning your future direction, take time to honestly assess what truly fulfills you professionally. Consider what aspects of your current position you value and what frustrates you. This self-awareness provides the foundation for making informed decisions about ownership.
For those contemplating practice ownership, remember that the journey begins with a single step. You don't need to have all the answers immediately, but you do need to start moving forward. Connect with mentors, build your advisory team, and most importantly, begin listening to your own instincts about what kind of practice you want to create.
Your professional satisfaction depends on choosing a path that aligns with your values and goals. Whether that leads to owning a small, focused practice or embracing a larger group model, the choice is yours to make. The key is making that choice deliberately and taking action to achieve it.
To learn more about the journey from dentist to practice owner, subscribe to the From Dentist to DeNovo podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Website: www.denovodds.com
Comments