NSU CDM Impressions Fall/Winter 2019

4 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE Dental Economics TIPS FOR STARTING A PRACTICE After you’ve earned your dental degree, what’s next? The American Dental Association (ADA) states that, based on its research, two- thirds of recent dental school graduates seek employment either as an associate in a private practice or working in one of the larger corporate group offices. But what about ownership? According to the ADA, 76 percent of dentists are sole practitioners, while 15 percent are partners. And that entrepre- neurial expertise is as vitally important as dental skills when it comes to running a private practice. Dentists have to manage employees, understand overhead, monitor cash flow—and basically, wear every hat in the business, plus manage patients. So, what goes into the business of dentistry and is it for you? Several NSU College of Dental Medicine (CDM) alumni were able to offer their insights. (continued on page 6) BY MICHELLE F. SOLOMON