Have you ever wondered what type of practice you’re receiving dental care in? For most people, these details don’t matter too much, but for dentists, who they work for and how they manage their practices can make all the difference for their patients. Dentists working in their field have many ways of approaching their patients, and how they structure the business of their practices can likely impact their patient’s oral health.
So, what’s the world of dental businesses like? Here, we will provide a closer look so you can see what solo practices do, how group practices operate, and how that impacts your dental care.
The Differences Between a Solo Practice vs. Group Practice
Dentists are places of compassionate healthcare, but they’re also a business. Businesses must manage their practices’ financial obligations, growth goals, community outreach, and marketing campaigns to keep their practices intact and successful each year. It’s a challenging facet of a dentist’s daily life working with patients. Almost every dentist has to choose between starting their practice, working with a small business, or participating in a group practice for their careers.
Each option presents advantages and disadvantages for dentists and their patients. Below, we’ll briefly outline what those terms mean and how they may impact your care.
- Solo Practices: Solo practices typically start as a small business with about one to two dentists operating it. These practices tend to provide a more personalized approach to their care and can market their specialty or treatment of choice for patients. However, solo practices also have some disadvantages for patients, as they can be selective about their choice of insurance and have higher costs associated with their care.
- Group Practices: Group practices operate under a recognizable name and are usually part of a corporation. These group practices offer more generalized services to their patients and have a wider selection of insurance coverage they can accept. As for disadvantages, some group practices lack the personalized experiences patients look for from their dental care and can suffer.
For many patients, choosing between a solo practice and a group practice comes down to the types of services they need, the types of insurance their dentists accept, and the payment costs for those treatments. However, solo and group practices provide valuable services for people everywhere, giving a wider range of options for needy patients.
Find The Right Care For You Through Your Primary Dentist
Whether you need a specialist for a root canal or a group practice for wellness checkups, your healthcare team can be a vital resource for your health. If you’re curious about finding specialists or other practices for your dental care, speaking with your insurance provider or even your primary dentist can help. You can find the treatments you need at affordable prices by reviewing your options. Most of all, schedule annual checkups with your current dentist, as these appointments can help prevent unwarranted costs and keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
