Along the continuum of dentistry, from dental school to retirement, it’s imperative you know your options.
The way you practice dentistry is as unique as each patient’s teeth. And just like a patient has treatment options tailored to their needs and goals, you also have choices to meet your goals when it comes to your career.
Off to a Great Start: Which Path Should I Take?
Employment
Dental students often receive minimal business training, leading many to believe that joining a Dental Service Organization (DSO) is the only viable career path. While working for a DSO can be a suitable choice for some, it might not align with your personal goals. Alternatively, you could consider becoming an associate in a private practice. If you choose to go the associate route, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate both options to determine which path best suits your aspirations. Many upcoming graduates diligently search for associate positions to ensure they secure employment, but taking the time to choose the right fit can make a significant difference in your career satisfaction and success.
Entrepreneurship
Those are both viable options and can be great starting points for your career. However, consider this: ownership is also a realistic possibility. We’re here to tell you that pursuing dental practice ownership or partnership is an achievable goal. There is a clear path to realizing your entrepreneurial dreams in dentistry, and exploring this option could open up exciting new opportunities for your career.
Practice owners enjoy a great deal of freedom over their schedule, practice style, procedures offered, and staffing. Practice owners report being more satisfied than associates, both professionally and financially. If you’re considering owning a dental practice, the St. Louis area offers exciting opportunities—from dental practices for sale in St. Louis to smaller dental offices for sale in STL tailored to specific needs.
Curious how to prepare? Check out our “top 10 things to do before you buy” so you can be ready when the time is right for you.
Rest, Relaxation, Retirement
Let’s fast forward through a fulfilling career, one that has created a lasting legacy. As you near the rest, relaxation, and retirement years, you may be looking to shift your workload or retire completely.
You, too, have choices. Our best advice is to start goal-setting and planning early—a few years out if possible.
Add an Associate
One option is to add an associate. That brings many questions:
- How do you know if the time is right?
- How do you know if you can afford an associate?
- How do you find an associate?
At DDSmatch, we can walk you through those questions and more, ensuring you have enough space in the office, understand how compensation is affected, and find the perfect match for you, your patients, and staff.
Sell Your Practice
If you are looking to sell your practice, starting the process a few years in advance is ideal. It gives you time to analyze your practice, meet with advisors, and make any necessary adjustments and improvements in advance of placing your practice up for sale. The St. Louis region offers a range of opportunities for those seeking dental clinics for sale in St. Louis, making it a competitive market for sellers and buyers alike.
Don’t have a few years to plan? We can still help you successfully transition on your terms. Depending on your preference, you might choose to sell to an individual, or you may be interested in selling to a DSO. Regardless of your choice, you need representation to protect your interests and the legacy you worked so hard to create.
Curious what our clients have to say? Dr. Noush Alaie and Roy Fruehauf worked together in Northern California to purchase her first practice as a young dentist.
“There came a time when I realized being an associate had run its course and I needed a change in order to feel motivated and rewarded in my craft. I enjoyed working with Roy at DDS Match due to his professionalism and knowledge. He provided me with so much information and guidance throughout the process of looking at different offices. I highly recommend working with both Roy and DDSmatch!”
-Noush Alaie, DDS
“We understand that for a first-time younger buyer, making the step from associate to owner is important and can be stressful. Although our responsibility is to represent the seller, all of us at DDSmatch want a good buying experience for the buyer. Starting with our 3rd party approach to valuing the practice, we want to represent fairness, be transparent, and communicate well as we move through the steps to ownership with the buyer. This allows the buyer to make a more relaxed and informed decision.”
-Roy Fruehauf
Whether you’re starting your career, expanding your practice, or planning your exit strategy, the St. Louis area offers exceptional opportunities. From dental practices for sale in St. Louis to dental offices for sale in STL, DDSmatch is here to help you achieve your goals.