What are the Pros of Corporate Dentistry?

First off, corporate dentistry provides a structured environment. This structure can offer clear protocols and procedures, which can be helpful for those who prefer an organized workplace. For dentists and dental hygienists, this means predictable workflows and established guidelines to follow.

Additionally, corporate dentistry typically involves longer hours and high patient volumes. While this can lead to a busy schedule, it also offers the opportunity to see a variety of cases and gain extensive experience in a shorter period.

Assisted hygiene is common in corporate dentistry, where dental hygienists work with assistants to keep patient care running smoothly. Although this can help you be more efficient, the fast-paced environment can sometimes add extra stress.

When you work in corporate dentistry, you also don't have to worry about administrative tasks. Billing, staffing, and marketing are handled centrally, so you can focus solely on patient care.

What are the Cons of Corporate Dentistry?

A structured environment can be helpful, but it may also feel restrictive. Corporate guidelines and standardized procedures can limit your ability to make independent clinical decisions. If you enjoy a more personalized approach to patient care, this might be frustrating at times.

Longer hours and high patient volumes may lead to shorter appointments, making it challenging to build meaningful relationships with patients. The fast-paced environment might also contribute to increased stress levels and feeling overworked. This can lead to burnout in both dentists and dental hygienists.

Additionally, the focus on profitability can put pressure on meeting financial targets which could compromise the quality of care you provide and lead to job dissatisfaction.

What are the Pros of Private Practices?

One of the best parts of working in a smaller practice is the close-knit, family-like atmosphere. With a smaller team and a more personal setting, you can build stronger relationships with both coworkers and patients. This sense of community makes the workplace feel more supportive and welcoming, creating a true sense of belonging.

Private practices also often have longer appointments, giving you the opportunity to provide personalized care and build strong relationships with patients. 

Taking the time to really get to know your patients can make your work more rewarding, as you see the direct impact of your care on their well-being. This personal connection can make each day more fulfilling and boost your overall job satisfaction.

There’s also less structure compared to corporate dentistry. While this means fewer standardized procedures, it offers more flexibility and autonomy. You can tailor your approach to patient care and make independent clinical decisions.

For dentists, owning or working in a private practice means having full control over your career. This way, you get to shape your practice to reflect your values, vision, and the kind of patient care you believe in.

What are the Cons of Private Practices?

The flexibility of a private practice is great, but the lack of structure can feel overwhelming at times. Without set protocols in place, you may have to create your own systems and procedures, which can take extra time and effort.

For dentists, the financial commitment of running a private practice can be significant. Whether you're buying an existing practice or starting from scratch, it requires a big investment. Finding the right practice can take time, and coordinating with the current owner can add another layer of complexity.

There’s also the challenge of handling administrative tasks. From staffing and marketing to responding to patient reviews, managing the business side can take time away from patient care. If you don’t have business experience, it can feel overwhelming.

Finally, balancing work and personal life can be tricky if you’re running a private practice. That’s because longer patient visits and extra administrative work often mean longer hours, which can lead to added stress if your practice is understaffed.

How to Decide Between Corporate Dentistry and Private Practice

Choosing between corporate dentistry and private practice depends on your personal preferences and career goals. Here are some points to consider for dentists and dental hygienists:

For Dentists:

• Career Autonomy: Do you prefer making independent decisions regarding patient care and practice management? Private practice offers more autonomy, while corporate dentistry has more standardized procedures. Understanding the differences between DSOs and DPOs can also help you make an informed decision about your career path.

• Financial Considerations: Are you prepared for the financial investment of owning or buying into a private practice? Consider the costs of starting from scratch versus buying an existing practice, and how it will affect your retirement planning.

• Work-Life Balance: Do you value a flexible schedule and longer patient interactions? Private practice may provide more flexibility, while corporate dentistry often involves longer hours.

• Stress Levels: Are you comfortable with the administrative and business responsibilities of a private practice? Corporate dentistry handles administrative tasks, which potentially reduces stress.

For Dental Hygienists

• Work Environment: Do you thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment? Corporate dentistry might suit you, but expect assisted hygiene and potentially higher stress levels.

• Patient Relationships: Do you value building long-term relationships with patients? Private practices offer longer patient times and a family-like atmosphere.

• Professional Development: Consider the opportunities for growth and learning. Corporate dentistry may offer more structured training programs and advancement opportunities.

• Workload: Think about your preferred pace of work. Corporate settings may involve higher patient volumes, while private practices might have a more manageable pace. Also, consider how your choice will affect work benefits and retirement planning.

Practice Dentistry According to Your Goals

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Consider what matters most to you in your career, whether it's the stability and resources of corporate dentistry or the autonomy and close relationships of private practice.

Whether you choose to go the corporate dentistry or private practice route, you can rely on Teero’s dental staffing platform to find qualified hygienists for temporary or free permanent positions—and never have to worry about staffing shortages. Give us a call to learn more.