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How does an associate become a practice owner?

Ownership has become less common: 72.5% of U.S. dentists owned a private practice in 2023, down from 84.7% in 2005, according to the ADA Health Policy Institute. Associates reach ownership by buying in, buying an existing practice or opening a new one, as the practice lifecycle guide outlines.

By DDSIntel Editorial· Published · Data as of

Key numbers

What are the paths from associate to owner?

Three routes are common: an associate buy-in to the practice where the dentist already works, the purchase of an existing practice from a retiring owner, and a new start-up. A buy-in suits a trusted working relationship, a purchase brings patients on day one, and starting a practice avoids paying for goodwill.

How common is ownership among younger dentists?

Ownership comes later in a career than it used to. The ADA Health Policy Institute reports that 21% of 2016-20 dental graduates owned practices three to seven years after school. The institute’s own headline says younger dentists still become owners, just later in their careers, so early-career figures understate eventual ownership.

How do associates finance a practice purchase?

Many buyers use a practice-lender loan or an SBA 7(a) loan, and some sellers finance part of the price. The SBA states the maximum 7(a) loan amount is $5 million, and the program covers changes of ownership, complete or partial. Terms vary by lender, so a CPA and an attorney should review any structure.

How do associates compete with DSOs for a practice?

Dental support organizations are active buyers: TUSK Practice Sales reported at least 175 practice locations sold to DSOs in the first half of 2026. Associates often compete on continuity, since an owner may value a successor who keeps the team and patients, and a buy-in lets the owner choose the timing. Neither route suits every owner.

Related guides: how to start a dental practice, what drives practice value, dental practice succession planning.

Owner age data is in dentist age distribution, and dental transition signals show in aggregate where owners may be planning.

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy my first dental practice?

Choose a route (buy-in, purchase or start-up), arrange financing, then search, negotiate and complete due diligence with a CPA and an attorney.

Are fewer dentists owning practices?

Yes. The ADA Health Policy Institute reports 72.5% in 2023 against 84.7% in 2005.

What is an associate buy-in?

An arrangement in which an associate buys an ownership share of the practice where they work, often in stages, so the owner can step back gradually.

Can an SBA loan be used to buy a practice?

The SBA lists changes of ownership, complete or partial, among 7(a) uses; lenders set their own terms.

Sources

  1. ADA Health Policy Institute. Dental practice research. ada.org.
  2. ADA News. HPI: Younger dentists still become practice owners, just later in careers. adanews.ada.org.
  3. U.S. Small Business Administration. 7(a) loans. sba.gov.
  4. TUSK Practice Sales, via PR Newswire. TUSK Practice Sales assesses the state of the dental industry in its Q3 2026 dental market report (July 10, 2026). prnewswire.com.

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