Practice Location Characteristics of Non-Traditional Dental Practices

Area of Science:

• Dental Practice Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Public Health Dentistry

Background:

• A growing number of dental school graduates are opting for non-traditional practice models, such as group practices managed by dental service organizations (DSOs) or corporate practices employing dentists.
• The expansion of these non-traditional practices, predominantly in major urban centers, may exacerbate existing geographic disparities in dental service distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the geographical and demographic characteristics of non-traditional dental practices against traditional dental practices.
• To inform dental educators and leaders about evolving practice trends and their implications for future workforce planning.

Main Methods:

• Identification of non-traditional dental practices across the United States.
• Geographical mapping of both non-traditional and traditional practices by zip code.
• Comparative analysis of zip code characteristics between areas with non-traditional practices and those with only traditional practices.

Main Results:

• Non-traditional dental practices constitute approximately 3.1% of all dental practices but possess a disproportionately larger market impact, evidenced by nearly double the average staff and annual revenue.
• Non-traditional practices are almost exclusively located in zip codes that also host traditional dental practices.
• Zip codes with non-traditional practices exhibit distinct demographic profiles: higher average income, higher educational attainment, younger populations, a greater proportion of Hispanic individuals, and a significantly higher probability of being in a major metropolitan area.

Conclusions:

• Non-traditional dental practices are concentrated in urban, higher socioeconomic status areas, potentially widening geographic disparities in dental care access.
• Understanding these trends is crucial for dental education institutions and professional organizations to effectively prepare graduates and plan the future dental workforce.