Running a successful private practice now requires increased business acumen as operational complexities increase, according to one industry professional.
Jacob Sattler, senior director of executive search at Medix Healthcare, recently spoke with Becker’s about the skills new practice owners must employ for success.
Note: This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Is private practice still attainable for new dentists? Why or why not?
Jacob Sattler: Yes, I believe private practice is still attainable for new dentists, particularly those who niche into underserved services within their local markets. That said, expectations for the independent model have shifted dramatically.
Operational complexity has outpaced the margins that historically allowed smaller practices to scale more organically. We saw this firsthand in 2025 through record demand for dental revenue cycle management leadership searches, especially among our private equity-backed clients. As competition for experienced operators increased, so did the cost of building sophisticated infrastructure around billing, payer strategy, analytics and staffing. That dynamic makes it harder for emerging independent practices to invest in the systems needed to compete at scale.
Still, I do not believe the model is truly dead. Instead, the modern independent dentist has to think like an operator much earlier in the lifecycle of the business. Financial discipline, reimbursement strategy, staffing efficiency and operational alignment are no longer optional skills; they are core to sustainability.
Some would argue those demands are exactly why private practice is becoming unattainable. I would argue it is the natural evolution of an industry experiencing consolidation, similar to what we see in other non-healthcare service industries. Owners increasingly need either entrepreneurial operating capability or a strong business partner beside them.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
