Practice Models
There is no single way to build a successful dental career.
Throughout your career, your professional goals, personal circumstances, and interests may change. Many dentists move between different practice models as they gain experience, develop new skills, or pursue practice ownership.
Understanding the options available can help you choose the model that best aligns with your career goals.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole owner operates and manages their own dental practice.
This model offers the greatest level of clinical and business autonomy but also carries responsibility for staffing, finances, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day operations.
Professional Corporation (PC)
Many dentists practise through a professional corporation where permitted by provincial legislation.
A professional corporation may offer business and tax planning advantages depending on your circumstances. Professional legal and accounting advice is recommended before deciding whether incorporation is appropriate.
Joint Ownership
Two or more dentists may jointly own a practice.
Joint ownership allows dentists to share responsibilities, resources, and financial investment while working toward common business goals.
Because every partnership is different, a comprehensive legal agreement is essential.
Cost-Sharing Arrangements
Cost-sharing allows dentists to operate independently while sharing certain practice expenses such as facilities, equipment, or administrative staff.
This model offers flexibility while allowing dentists to share overhead costs while maintaining independent clinical practices.
Multiple Practice Ownership
Some dentists choose to own more than one practice.
As the number of locations grows, management becomes more complex and owners often rely on larger administrative teams or practice management systems. Practice owners may choose this model to support growth, succession planning, or long-term business goals.
Dental Organizations and Group Ownership
Some dental practices operate within larger organizations that provide centralized administrative services such as human resources, finance, marketing, technology, and purchasing.
These models can allow dentists to focus more on patient care while while administrative functions are managed centrally.
Dentists continue to retain responsibility for their professional judgment and patient care in accordance with the requirements of their provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority.
Selling to a Dental Organization
Some practice owners choose to sell their practice to a dental organization while continuing to practise as an associate during a transition period. Depending on the arrangement, this may offer several advantages and considerations.
Potential advantages may include:
- administrative support
- succession planning
- reduced management responsibilities
- access to larger organizational resources
- Potential considerations include:
- reduced control over business operations
- changes to ownership structure
- different organizational policies and expectations
- Every arrangement is unique and should be reviewed carefully with professional advisors.
Other Career Settings
Dentists also practise in a variety of settings outside private practice, including:
- hospitals
- military services
- dental schools
- correctional facilities
- public health organizations
- research institutions
These settings offer different opportunities to contribute to oral health through patient care, education, research, public health, and other areas of practice.
Choosing the Right Practice Model
The right practice model depends on your career goals, preferred work environment, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
As your career evolves, your preferred practice model may evolve as well. Understanding the advantages, responsibilities, and opportunities associated with each model can help you make informed career decisions at every stage of your professional journey.