Assessing the viability of the independent practice of dental hygiene--a brief communication.
BACKGROUND
This paper deals with the economics of the independent dental hygiene practice.


METHODS
Using historical data from dental practices in Cincinnati, Ohio, we developed a business model for an independent hygiene practice. We tested the sensitivity of the model to variations in key assumptions (initial capitalization, interest, employee salary, and owner's draw). We described the profitability on the basis of the breakeven point.


RESULTS
Under the most permissive regulatory and financial environment, the practice would breakeven after 26 months. However, the owner would not equal the earnings of a salaried hygienist until the initial loan is paid off after 7 years. The model was not sensitive to 20 percent changes in the key assumptions.


CONCLUSIONS
Under ideal circumstances, an independent hygiene practice could be profitable.
Beach
M Miles
MM
Department of Periodontics, TexasA&M University, Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. mmbeach@bcd.tamhsc.edu
Shulman
Jay D
JD
Johns
Glenna
G
Paas
Jeffrey C
JC
D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000191:economics*; D004468:Economics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D009820:Ohio; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000191:economics*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration