Not long ago, owning your own dental practice was the ultimate goal. But since graduation, you’ve likely realized that ownership comes with declining insurance reimbursements, rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and supply chain challenges. Managing payroll, marketing, and compliance on top of clinical care can leave you feeling more overwhelmed than empowered.
It’s no secret: being a private practice owner today is as difficult as it’s ever been.
You feel like you’re at a crossroads. You can stay private and do your best to keep up with constant changes or sell out to a DSO to gain support but lose your autonomy.
You may wonder: Is there a better way to run my practice? Is now the best time to join a dental group so early in my career?
Many young dentists are choosing to make this strategic move while their business is still growing, not after it reaches its peak.
“I built a strong foundation early on, but after joining MB2, my practice’s growth accelerated beyond what I imagined. With their support and resources, I was able to expand faster, take on bigger opportunities, and hit milestones I thought were still years away. It turned my long-term goals into real opportunities today.” — Dr. Mike Rodriguez, General Dentist, Florida
According to the American Dental Association, over 27% of dentists who graduated within the last five years are now affiliated with a DSO or dental group—a clear sign that younger doctors are shifting toward supported practice models earlier in their careers.1
So, why are dentists under 45 choosing to join a DSO or dental group?
- To get support for the non-clinical side of their business
- To access growth resources and mentorship
- To experience less burnout and more work-life balance
- To preserve what they’ve built without sacrificing their future
“I grew a practice and brand for ten years before partnering with MB2. I didn’t want to choose between being a great dentist and being there for my kids. I get to do both with MB2 handling the business side—like hiring, billing, and marketing. I’m glad I started this partnership young, it’s been such a relief to focus on the team and dentistry again.” — Dr. Meghan Darby, General Dentist, Alabama
More dentists are realizing that partnering early—before burnout sets in—isn’t a sign of giving up; it’s a strategic investment in their future. You can keep your identity as a practice owner, protect what you’ve built, and get the support you need to thrive. Whether you want to grow faster, reclaim your time, or simply enjoy the work you trained so hard to do, the right dental group can make it possible.
A Different Kind of Partnership
MB2’s Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) was built to keep you in control, help you level up and tap into expert support as you need it. With access to all of our departments, from marketing and talent acquisition, to procurement and payer strategy, you’ll have more time to focus on dentistry and the things you love most outside the office.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your ownership but also have an advocate to support you, we’re here to help weigh your options. Fill out the form below to start the conversation and find out what joining MB2 could do for you and your practice.
Source:
1 “Practice Modality by the Numbers,” American Dental Association, 2024.
Read the full ADA article
