ep17: Private Practice vs Corporate Dentistry with Dr. Wahan and Dr. Gallagher

Keywords dentistry, corporate dentistry, private practice, dental associates, student debt, dental contracts, work-life balance, dental consolidation, patient care, dental referrals, DSO, Dental support organization, Dr Wahan, Dr Gallagher, drwahan, Brendan Gallagher, dental podcast, oral surgery podcast   summary This conversation explores the evolving landscape of dentistry, focusing on the competition between corporate and private practices. The speakers discuss the challenges of finding associates, the impact of corporate consolidation, financial realities, and the burden of student debt. They also delve into the appeal of corporate contracts, work-life balance, and the importance of patient relationships in the context of personalized care versus corporate efficiency.   takeaways Corporate dentistry is on the rise, affecting private practices. Finding associates for private practices is increasingly challenging. Student debt is a significant burden for new dentists. Corporate contracts often offer higher starting salaries but come with hidden costs. Work-life balance varies significantly between corporate and private practices. The consolidation of dental practices is driven by financial backing from private equity. Patient relationships are crucial for personalized care in dentistry. The financial realities of running a dental practice have changed post-COVID. Dentists need to be aware of the terms in their contracts with corporate entities. The future of dentistry may lean more towards corporate models, impacting patient care.   titles Navigating the Dental Landscape: Corporate vs. Private The Challenges of Finding Dental Associates   Sound Bites "There's always a need for it." "You need to look at all your options now." "It's a weird time in dentistry."   Chapters 00:00 The Landscape of Dentistry: Private vs. Corporate 01:51 Challenges in Finding Associates 03:49 The Rise of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) 06:22 Financial Dynamics in Dentistry 08:33 The Burden of Student Debt 09:51 Navigating Career Choices in Dentistry 11:47 The Reality of Corporate Dentistry 14:27 Work-Life Balance in Dental Careers 16:03 Future Trends in Dental Practice 17:51 The Corporate Dentistry Dilemma 18:46 Navigating Employment Contracts and Covenants 19:17 The Shift Towards Corporate Practices 20:31 Patient-Centered Care vs. Corporate Efficiency 23:09 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Dentistry 25:38 The Future of Private Practice vs. Corporate Dentistry