The Double Your Production Podcast Ep: 154: The Hidden Math Behind Single-Doctor Practices
Nov 19, 2025
Single-doctor dental practices face unique challenges and ceilings, with realistic monthly production limits around $30K. Dr. John Meis and Wendy Briggs explore the implications of owner-dependence on practice value and exit options. They discuss the potential benefits of hiring associates versus raising fees to manage demand. Technology's role in affecting buyer interest is also highlighted, as outdated systems can lower offers significantly. Plus, they reveal insights about retreats designed to enhance profitability and leadership for solo practitioners.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Realistic Revenue Ceiling For Solo Dentists
- A solo dentist working typical hours in mid-America fees often plateaus near $30,000 per month in production.
- Reaching much higher requires extended hours, specialization, or atypical business models that are hard to sustain.
Hygiene Bottleneck Lowers Diagnostics
- Adding more hygienists to support one doctor creates a bottleneck because only one provider performs exams and diagnoses.
- Practices often see diagnostic assertiveness and detected-treatment rates fall as a solo doctor's capacity is stretched.
Reduce Owner Dependence Before Exit
- If a solo doctor's production depends heavily on that owner, hire an associate and shift cases to reduce owner dependence.
- This increases practice resilience and preserves value when the owner reduces days or retires.
