Dental practices in the U.S. are most commonly owned by licensed dentists, either as solo owners or as part of a partnership with other dentists[4]. Ownership structures can take several forms, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), or professional corporations, but state laws typically require that only licensed dental professionals can own and operate a dental practice[5].
In solo ownership, one dentist owns the entire practice and exercises full control over operations, finances, and staff[2]. In a partnership, two or more licensed dentists share ownership, profits, and operational responsibilities based on their partnership agreement, which details the terms for ownership, profit sharing, and dispute resolution[3].
Some states (referred to as “corporate states”) allow non-dentists or business entities to own dental practices, but these are exceptions. In most states, only licensed dentists are permitted to own dental offices or receive profits from dental services[4]. The specific ownership structure of your dentist’s practice can often be found by asking the dental office directly or by checking the name and type of business entity registered with your state’s licensing board or business registry.
If your dentist operates within a group practice, office-sharing arrangement, or as part of a dental service organization (DSO), there may be more complex ownership or management arrangements, but the dental care itself must still be provided by licensed dentists[1].
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