Private practice ownership among U.S. dentists has been declining in recent decades. The difference is particularly pronounced among younger dentists. In 2005, 25.4% of private practice dentists under the age of 30 owned a practice; in 2021, that rate fell to 9.5%.
For dentists 30-34, the rate dropped from 55.0% in 2005 to 34.2% in 2021.
However, the drop has been less significant among older dentists. Nine out of ten private practice dentists age 55-64 were owners in 2021 compared to 93.4% in 2005.