Changing Dental Practice Ownership Trends May Affect Succession Planning
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By
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News Staff
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August 20, 2026
Changing Dental Practice Ownership Trends May Affect Succession Planning
Overview
Recent trends indicate a decline in private dental practice ownership, with more dental students favoring DSO-affiliated positions. This shift, coupled with high education debt, complicates succession planning for retiring dentists.
Background
Understanding the evolving landscape of dental practice ownership is crucial for effective succession planning. The decrease in traditional ownership models and the rise of dental support organizations (DSOs) may impact the availability of potential buyers for independently owned practices.
Data Highlights
| Year | Private Practice Ownership (%) | Solo Practice (%) | DSO Intent (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 85 | 67 | 16 |
| 2023 | 73 | 50 | 34 |
| 2010-2015 Graduates | 60-70 | - | - |
| 2016-2020 Graduates | 21 | - | - |
| 2025 Graduates | - | - | $297,800 |
Key Findings
- Private dental practice ownership declined from 85% in 2005 to 73% in 2023.
- Solo practice ownership decreased from approximately 67% in 2005 to roughly 50% in 2024.
- The share of dental students intending to join DSO-affiliated groups increased from 16% in 2018 to 34% in 2023.
- 28.8% of associate dentists changed employers in 2024.
- The average education debt for dental school graduates in 2025 was $297,800.
Clinical Implications
Dentists planning for retirement should consider the changing landscape of practice ownership.
Conclusion
The evolving trends in dental practice ownership necessitate careful consideration for succession planning among retiring dentists.
Related Resources & Content
- American Dental Association, ADA News, 2023 -- Changing Dental Practice Ownership Trends May Affect Succession Planning
- American Dental Education Association, Dentists of Tomorrow 2025
- DentalPost, 2025 Dental Industry Salary Report
- compendium — Unlocking Generational Wealth When Selling a Practice
- ada news — Making the leap: Dentists share paths to practice ownership
- ADA News — HPI: Younger dentists still become practice owners, just later in careers
- compendium — Dental Practice Consolidation: The Risks, Rewards, and Trends
- Unlocking Generational Wealth When Selling a Practice
- Making the leap: Dentists share paths to practice ownership
- HPI: Younger dentists still become practice owners, just later in careers
- Practice Modalities Among U.S. Dentists | American Dental Association
- Dentists of Tomorrow 2025 | ADEA
- Tip Sheet on What to Do When Selling a Practice
Based on findings from:
Changing Dental Practice Ownership Trends May Affect Succession Planning
News Staff. Compendium, 2026.
https://compendiumlive.com/news?newsID=106494
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
