Group Practice vs Solo: The Pendulum Swung Again

Group Practice vs Solo: The Pendulum Swung Again

Solo practitioners saw higher net income in 2025 compared to group practice associates. Not because they're better dentists. Because they control their overhead and case selection.

A solo FFS dentist doing $800K production kept $300K. A group practice associate doing $800K production kept $180K. Same work. Different economics.

Why it matters: The solo model is winning again because PPO contracts kill group practice margins. Groups need volume to absorb overhead. Solo practitioners can afford to be selective.

What to do: If you're an associate in a group, calculate your real net income including benefits. Then calculate what you could keep solo, minus malpractice and your own hygienist. If the delta is under $50K, you're in the wrong group.