Despite dental industry consolidation trending upwards, some dentists remain steadfast in their private practice.
Dr. Peter Hunt, owner of Dr. Peter Hunt Dentist in Philadelphia, recently connected with Becker's to discuss the future of independent dental practices.
Note: This response has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Peter Hunt: In Pennsylvania, at least three DSOs have gone out of business in the last few years. Those of us who remain in our own private practices may well be suffering from a decline in traffic, but at least we have control of our own operations.
We also have the satisfaction of long term patient relationships with people who chose us based on our training, reputation and on expertise gathered over the years. We continue in practice despite all the predictions that private practice is disappearing.
When the dust settles, patients will make their own choice about where and who they get treated by.