Dentists Offices & Clinics

About 120,000 dentists offices and clinics operate in the US, generating annual revenue of more than $80 billion. The large majority of dentists are sole practitioners and practice general dentistry; the rest specialize in orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, or orthodontics. Average annual revenue per office is about $600,000. The industry is highly fragmented.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand for dental services is driven largely by demographics. While the growth in the number of children 5 to 19 (who require prophylactic and orthodontic work) is increasing only slightly, aging Americans are increasing the number of adults over 55 who may need more specialized dental work. Large practices have advantages in marketing and possible specialties within the office. Small practices are successful due to the personality and competence of the dentist. Dentists typically have several direct competitors in the same geographical area. The industry is labor-intensive.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Dentists practicing general dentistry provide amalgam and composite fillings, regular teeth cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sealants, oral surgery, gum disease treatment, TMJ therapy, tobacco cessation and nutrition counseling, crowns and bridges, dentures, and dental implants.

Most dentists offices include dental hygienists and office staff. The average office has one dentist and three employees (usually a receptionist and two hygienists). Insurance paperwork, bill collection, scheduling, and restocking supplies are the main concerns of the office staff. Typical equipment includes x-ray machines; chair-mounted systems such as drills, suction, spray, ...