The Myth: “Owning a Practice Means No Free Time”
For many associates, the idea of buying a dental practice is exciting… and intimidating. One of the biggest fears? Losing control of your time.
“I already work long hours. Won’t owning a practice make it worse?”
It’s a valid concern, but here’s the truth:
- Practice ownership doesn’t have to mean burnout.
- In fact, many owners find they have more control, not less.
- You get to shape your schedule, your team, and your lifestyle.
Let’s bust some myths and show you how buying a dental practice can actually lead to better work-life balance if you approach it strategically.
Myth #1: Owners Work More Hours Than Associates
Sure, there’s a learning curve in the first year of ownership. But most successful owners eventually work the hours they choose—not the hours someone else sets.
As an associate, your schedule is set by:
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The owner
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Office production goals
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Your assigned patient load
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Someone else’s priorities
As an owner, you set the rules. Many owners:
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Take Fridays off
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Work 3.5 to 4 days per week
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Choose extended hours only if they want to
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Align their schedule with school pickup, family events, or vacations
— Ownership doesn’t always mean “more”—it means “more control.”
Myth #2: You’ll Be Too Busy Running the Business
Yes, owning a practice means managing people, processes, and finances. But it doesn’t have to consume your life.
Smart owners:
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Delegate tasks to a strong office manager
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Outsource payroll, accounting, and HR functions
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Use systems and checklists to streamline operations
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Work on the business one day a week, not every day
The result? You gain freedom while building equity.
You can always hire support—but you can’t outsource the freedom that ownership gives you.
Myth #3: The Stress of Ownership Isn’t Worth the Money
Here’s what most buyers discover in their first year: Ownership pays off fast. You’re no longer earning 25–35% of what you produce—you’re keeping the profit (after expenses), and building long-term equity.
That means you can:
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Earn more working fewer days
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Take time off without asking permission
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Build financial stability and invest in your future
Many buyers find that within 12–18 months, they’re making more—and working smarter—than they ever did as associates.
Real Talk: Work-Life Balance Isn’t Automatic
Practice ownership gives you the tools for better balance, but you still have to build it intentionally.
Here’s how:
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Define your ideal schedule and build your practice around it
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Hire and retain good people so you’re not putting out fires
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Set boundaries—you’re the owner, not on-call 24/7
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Invest in systems that make your life easier (recall, billing, HR, etc.)
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Take time off—the practice will survive a vacation
— Balance is a design choice. Ownership lets you design it.
Final Thoughts: Ownership Can Set You Free
Don’t let outdated assumptions or fear of the unknown hold you back. If you’re feeling stuck as an associate – burned out, undervalued, or capped financially – practice ownership could be the path to more freedom, not less.
You’ll work hard, but you’ll work for yourself. And that makes all the difference.
Thinking About Buying a Practice?
At American Practice Consultants, we help buyers navigate every step – from financial readiness to choosing the right opportunity. If you’re thinking about ownership, let’s talk about what that could look like for your lifestyle, your career, and your future.
Schedule a confidential buyer consultation today.