Small Group Practice

A small group practice is typically two to five dentists in a single location or multiple locations. These are usually local and are not likely to be a DSO (example: endodontists/oral surgeons). They could be mix of general dentists and specialists, with full or part-time opportunities. Small groups may offer clinical mentorship. They often require relationship building to establish a patient base. Types of small group practice are:

• Owner(s) – Can be sole owner or build equity in group overall; shared operational decision making; also common vision/mission.
• Associate (employee or independent contractor) – More than one mentor, opportunity to work in multiple practices, potential ownership track.
• May offer more practice location mobility than larger groups, and an opportunity to move around, invest in individual practice(s) or in the overall company, or move into management/leadership positions within the company.  Some dentists have found it lucrative to buy a few older practices and bundle the patients and then flip to a DSO.