Corporate vs. Private Dental Offices
I’ve worked in both types of practices throughout my career. There’s a lot of misconceptions & unknowns regarding both corporate dentistry & private dental offices. Dental staff (dentists, dental assistants, front desk, billing, etc.) know more details about what’s happening in the background. The majority of patients aren’t aware of the differences, but they can feel the difference depending on how they were treated.
Corporate dentistry often has a negative connotation, & that’s because there ARE negative aspects of corporate dentistry that exist. There are also disadvantages to a private dental practice. Each type of dental setting has pros and cons. The purpose of this post is to point out some differences that may help patients choose what setting is best for them & their loved ones.
Disclaimer: These are my opinions based on personal experiences.
Pros of Corporate Dentistry
They’re backed by investors & more $$$
They get huge discounts on materials & supplies due to bulk
They have contracts with different big name companies
They have multiple offices in many locations
They’re usually well staffed (number of employees)
They sometimes have more modern technology & equipment
They usually accept most dental insurances & have a department dedicated to it
Cons of Corporate Dentistry
They can “hide” themselves as private dental offices
Their end goal is about volume. More patients = more $$$
They have high-turnover of employees (including doctors)
Many of their doctors are new graduates (which can be good & bad)
There’s often “red-tape” policies & regulations.
Patients often described their experiences as being at a “dental mill”.
Pros of Private Dental Offices
More personalized, private experience with staff & doctors
Employees are often long-term & have been there for years
You’ll likely see the same doctor for each appointment
Their end goal is more about patient experience & positive outcomes
Patients often describe their experience as being treated like “family”
Cons of Private Dental Offices
Usually less employees
There’s one or a few locations
They don’t often have contracts with big name companies
Cost of supplies, materials, & labs are usually more expensive
May not accept your dental insurance
Regardless of what office you choose, there will always be good & bad with each option. There are good doctors that spend their careers in corporate dentistry, & there are not so great doctors that have private practices. The description of “good” and “bad” is truly subjective.
At the end of the day, there are many factors that come into play when choosing a dental home. The beauty of it all is that patients have a choice!
Getting a second opinion can be eye-opening, but too many opinions can also be confusing. There’s a balance when deciding on who & where to get treatment. Just don’t delay treatment too much because you may not have as much time or options at that point.
My hope is that all patients understand & prioritize their oral health & find a dental home that suits them best.
