title: Dentistry at the crossroads.
abstract: The dental practice pattern is shifting from small dental office to large corporate dental groups. This article analyzes the powers behind this change, and discusses the choices dental practitioners are facing and the reasons why many may choose to work in a corporate practice setting. Dental associations and specialty groups need to reaffirm their mission to provide quality oral health care. Dental treatment should not be viewed as a commodity used to measure corporate profitability.
authors: Richard T
authors: RT
authors: Kao
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care; D003729:Dental Care / Q000592:standards; D003813:Dentistry / Q000639:trends; D003815:Dentists / Q000191:economics; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007342:Insurance Benefits; D010348:Patient Care Team; D058991:Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / Q000191:economics; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration; D011331:Private Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D011362:Professional Corporations / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States