The success of orthodontic satellite practices.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the financial success and personal satisfaction of orthodontists operating satellite practices.


METHODS
A questionnaire was e-mailed to 4426 members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and 817 completed surveys were returned, yielding an 18% response rate. Only replies from solo practitioner orthodontists were analyzed to limit variability among respondents.


RESULTS
Solo practitioner orthodontists with satellite practices reported an increase in net profit and started significantly more cases than orthodontists with one office. Yet, only 27% of respondents with one satellite and 48% of practitioners operating multiple satellites recommend opening a satellite practice. Ninety-two percent of orthodontists stated they were satisfied with the clinical aspects of their practice, and 99% of orthodontists described themselves as happy and satisfied individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the ability of a satellite office to expand a patient base and increase net income, most practitioners would not encourage young orthodontists to establish a satellite office.
Department of Orthodontics, University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, USA. sheying@hotmail.com
Scott S
SS
Heying
Jeryl D
JD
English
Henry I
HI
Bussa
John A
JA
Corbett
D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000191:economics*; D003770:Dental Offices / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000191:economics*; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000191:economics*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States