Corporate Dentistry vs. Private Practice: Which Is Better for Patients?

July 26, 2024

Jessie Neubauer

If you are looking for a new dentist, you likely have two options depending on where you live in Pineville, NC—a “big box” dentist or a private practice. Corporate dental offices are like a large retail chain; they promise a consistent experience across all locations because all their processes and services are standardized. Private dental practices, on the other hand, tend to excel in areas where corporate chains might fall short. 

Generally speaking, solo practice dentists spend more time on average with each patient compared to their corporate practice counterparts. That’s because a private dental practitioner is more invested in your care and is willing to go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. They provide a more personalized service.

How Corporate Dental Offices Work in Pineville, NC

Commonly referred to as dental service organizations (DSOs) or dental management organizations (DMOs), corporate dentistry practices operate under a business model where all their administrative and management services are handled by one central corporate dental office. As such, dentists themselves don’t really have much involvement with the staffing, marketing, and financial management of how the office is run.

When you call them, you rarely speak directly with someone at the local office, but rather a representative from a centralized call center who has access to the schedules of all the dentists across different locations. You may not even get to talk to a human; it might be handled by an automated system, which can direct calls or provide options to book, cancel, or change appointments.

This absence of a “personal touch” and turn toward a transactional approach is the norm in most DSOs/DMOs and similar corporate dental clinic chains.

Pros & Cons of Choosing a Corporate Dentistry Office

Pros:

• It may be easy to book appointments, access multiple locations, and access more sophisticated online scheduling and management (patient records, billing, and insurance claims) technology.
• No matter which location or dentist you visit, every treatment follows the same consistent standards in terms of protocols (fillings, root canals, cleanings), hygiene, safety, diagnosis, and patient experience.
• Many larger corporate dental practices have a variety of specialists (like orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons) under the same roof, so you do not need referrals to other offices.

Cons:

• There is a greater focus on profits, which might pressure the staff to “upsell” expensive treatments or additional services that might not always be necessary.
• Corporate practices experience higher turnover rates among their dental professionals, so there can be a lack of familiarity and inconsistency in treatment plans. This affects continuity of care—you might not see the same dentist each visit.
• The goal of a dental support organization is to see as many patients as possible on any given day. This can result in shorter appointment times and a feeling of being rushed during visits.
• Since corporate offices have strict guidelines and procedures, it limits the flexibility of dentists to adapt treatments based on personal judgment or patient preferences. Simply put, you have to accept the one-size-fits-all approach.

How Private Practices Work in Pineville, NC

Many private practices in Pineville, NC operate as solo practices, but they can also be a group practice or partnership where two or more dentists share the facility, resources, and staff. The bottom line is that these practices are not owned/operated by a giant corporation headquartered elsewhere. The dentist who owns the practice provides care and makes all critical business and clinical decisions.

This is the type of office where you see the same dentist on each visit. Since you have been attended by the same dentist each time, they know what kind of oral issues you are prone to and what type of treatments are best for you. There are no corporate policies influencing their choices, so 100% of their decisions are based on what they believe is best for their patients. 

Pros & Cons of Choosing a Private Dental Practice

Pros:

• While booking might not be as automated as in corporate settings, the staff often go the extra mile to accommodate your schedule, especially if you have urgent needs.
• The waiting area might feel more like a living room than a clinic as private practices pride themselves on creating a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Your dentist knows your dental history, ongoing treatments, and any anxieties or preferences you might have.
• They see fewer patients in a day, so you never feel rushed during your appointment.
• If any dental issues are identified, they will discuss all possible treatment options with you, including the pros and cons of each. You are involved in the decision-making process. 
• Unlike some corporate practices, there is less pressure to opt for more expensive treatments in a family dental practice unless they are necessary and agreed upon; a private dental practice does not have a “quota” to meet the corporate profit goals.
• You might receive a follow-up call from the dentist or a staff member to check on your recovery, especially after more extensive procedures.
• They can offer you a more flexible, personalized combination of treatments without the constraints of corporate policies.
• You can speak to your dentist directly about concerns or emergencies, rather than going through a corporate call center.

Cons:

• They might not have the same level of resources as a corporate dental practice.
• They may offer fewer scheduling options (i.e., no online booking system).
• Private dental practices may not accept as wide a range of insurance plans.
• While many private dentistry offices provide excellent care, it is important to research and choose a reputable dentist.
• Some private practices may not have the same level of emergency coverage as larger networks.

Still On the Fence? Advantages of Choosing a Private Dental Office for Dental Care

Customized Billing and Payment Flexibility

Solo and small group practices sometimes have more leeway to work with patients on billing and payment plans. They may offer custom payment plans, discounts for upfront payments, or other flexible billing options that larger corporate practices do not provide due to their stricter guidelines.

Holistic Health Approach

Many dentists who work on their own have a 360-degree approach to dental care. They take into account not just your oral health but also your general health and lifestyle habits in their treatment planning. For instance, if they notice signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) or TMJ disorders, they may ask about your stress levels and offer advice on relaxation techniques or protective measures like night guards.

Innovative Practices

Private dental practices in Pineville, NC, are typically led by dentists with a deep passion for their field. Therefore, they may be more likely to adopt innovative and cutting-edge techniques and technologies as soon as they become available, rather than waiting for corporate approval. This can include new types of dental implants, laser treatments, or the use of biocompatible materials.

More Time Per Patient

With a smaller number of patients than a busy corporate office, the majority of local-only private dentists spend more time per visit. As a result, they have more time to invest in your appointments, follow-up visits, and cleanings as well as deeper discussions about your dental health without feeling rushed. This also allows them to provide bespoke advice that is specifically tailored to your dental and general health conditions. 

Looking for a Dentist in Pineville, NC? Reach Out to Park Crossing Dentistry

At Park Crossing Dentistry, our private practice dentistry has mindfully created an attentive and friendly setting for patients who want a little extra care every visit. We offer a wide range of services, including orthodontics, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, dental hygienist services, and more to make sure all members of your family can get the dental care they need under one roof. Our team is also available for same-day emergency appointments.If personalized attention and the feeling of being more than just a number matters to you, get in touch with our office in Charlotte, NC. We see patients from Rock Hill, Lancaster, Indian Land, Fort Mill, and surrounding areas as well. To schedule an appointment or learn more about Park Crossing Dentistry in Pineville, NC, call us at 980-201-7924 or contact us online.