CORPORATE DENTISTRY---A GROWING REALITY

Corporate dentistry (aka Dental Management Companies) is a growing phenomenon in the profession.  Information from the ADA Health Policy Resources Center estimates that about 2500 dental offices were owned by dental management companies (DMCs) in late 2011.  Another information source, the Dental Group Practice Association (www.dgpaonline.org), a trade group of DMCs, says it now has more than 3500 members.  Allowing for the fact that some practices are being counted by both these organizations, some experts estimate DMCs now own or operate in excess of 4000 dental practices in the U.S.

Dentists in traditional practices need to be aware of this growing part of the profession.  If you are considering selling to or working for a DMC, do your homework.  Talk with colleagues who practice in a DMC setting to help gauge if this would be an acceptable arrangement in which you might choose to practice.  And if you are considering a DMC  contract, make certain that a trusted, experienced attorney reads the “fine print” to alert you to all conditions including the fact that you are relinquishing all or most of your autonomy in practice.