Ask George - Does Practice Ownership Still Make Sense Today?
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In this candid episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, host George tackles the evolving question: 'Does practice ownership still make sense today?' He acknowledges that while ownership was once the default path for dentists—historically, 85% owned their practices—the landscape has shifted dramatically due to rising costs, increased competition, staffing shortages, and the rise of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs). George argues that ownership now requires a higher level of intentionality, entrepreneurial drive, and business acumen. For dentists who are passionate about the business side, strategic planning, and clinical productivity, ownership remains a viable and rewarding path. However, for those who are less interested in management, administration, or the financial risks of ownership, the equation has changed—many are now better off working with a DSO that offers higher income, clinical growth, and net worth opportunities without the burden of ownership. The episode emphasizes that success in ownership hinges on buying a practice with strong patient volume, avoiding over-investment in upgrades that drain profits, and maintaining clinical productivity to generate income. Ultimately, George concludes that ownership is no longer for everyone—it's for the intentional, driven, and entrepreneurial dentist who sees the business side as a core part of their career. Key takeaways include: (1) Practice ownership is still viable but only for those who are intentional and entrepreneurial; (2) Many dentists now earn less as owners than they did as associates—often due to poor patient volume or over-investment in practice upgrades; (3) The most successful owners are those who can produce their way out of financial challenges through clinical productivity; (4) DSOs have evolved into platforms that offer income, growth, and ownership-like benefits without the stress of solo practice; (5) Dentists should assess their own motivations and skills before choosing ownership; (6) Tools like buyer representation, coaching, and legal support can help navigate the complexities of ownership; (7) The future of dentistry is bifurcating: one path for the entrepreneurial dentist, another for the clinician focused on clinical excellence without business burden. The episode ends with a call to self-reflection: 'Are you the type of dentist who wants to be a business owner, or are you better served by a supportive platform?'
Practice ownership is still viable but only for intentional, entrepreneurial dentists who are passionate about the business side.
Many dentists now earn less as owners than they did as associates—often due to low patient volume or over-investment in practice upgrades.
Clinical productivity is the key to financial resilience in private practice; the ability to 'produce your way out' of problems is critical.
DSOs have evolved into compelling alternatives, offering higher income, clinical development, and net worth opportunities without ownership stress.
The future of dentistry is bifurcating: one path for the business-minded dentist, another for the clinician who wants to focus solely on clinical work.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Shifting Landscape of Dental Ownership
George introduces the central question of the episode: whether practice ownership still makes sense in today's dental industry. He sets the stage by acknowledging Shared Practices' dual role as both a pro-ownership advocate and a DSO operator, giving them a unique perspective.
First Principles of a Sustainable Dental Career
George outlines three foundational pillars of a successful dental career: enjoyment of daily work, income that supports the 'dentist lifestyle' plus savings, and the creation of a net worth asset (practice 01K). These principles serve as the framework for evaluating ownership viability.
The Decline of the 'Default' Ownership Model
George contrasts the past (85% ownership rate) with today's reality, highlighting the rise of DSOs and consolidation. He reveals that many dentists now earn less as owners than they did as associates—a counterintuitive trend that challenges long-held assumptions.
Why Some Owners Earn Less Than Associates
“There's a lot of practice owners who are in that messy middle, I'll call it, where they are not making the type of income that they used to make as an associate.”
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Intentionality and Productivity
“The easiest way out is that like productive dentist, right? Be the productive dentist, increase your margins through your own output and productivity...”
“The easiest way out is that like productive dentist, right? Be the productive dentist, increase your margins through your own output and productivity...”
“Now DSOs are essentially making their mark on getting younger dentists... They're not just saying like, I want to work at a place where I have good benefits... They're also coming to a DSO saying, I want you to grow me clinically and professionally.”
“There's a lot of practice owners who are in that messy middle, I'll call it, where they are not making the type of income that they used to make as an associate.”
Host
Shared Practices
organization
George
person
Associateships
other
Dental Money Ball Zero
book
Shared Practices Group
organization
Cone Beam
product
Hygienists
person
Dental Assistants
person
Solo Practitioner
person
Southern California
place
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