Best Places for Dental Specialists to Open a Practice: Big City vs. Small Town vs. Suburban Areas

As an endodontist, oral surgeon, or periodontist, deciding where to establish your practice is one of the most significant career choices you’ll make. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a move, the location of your practice will impact not only your professional success but also your personal life. The choice between a big city, medium-sized town, or small town involves weighing various factors such as patient demographics, competition, lifestyle preferences, and financial potential. This guide delves into the key considerations for each type of setting to help you make an informed decision.

1. Big City Practice: Opportunities and Challenges

Pros:

• High Patient Volume: Larger cities typically have a higher population density, which can lead to a more significant number of potential patients. For specialists like endodontists, oral surgeons, and periodontists, this can translate to a steady stream of cases, often including more complex and varied procedures.
• Professional Networking: Cities are hubs for professional development, offering greater access to continuing education, conferences, and networking events. Being in a metropolitan area can enhance collaboration with other dental professionals and specialists.
• Advanced Facilities and Technology: Big cities often have the latest in dental technology and advanced medical facilities, which can enhance the quality of care you provide and support complex cases.
• Higher Earning Potential: While living costs are higher, the earning potential in a big city can be substantial, especially with a high volume of patients and the ability to charge premium rates.

Cons:

• Intense Competition: Larger cities attract many dental specialists, which can make standing out and building a loyal patient base challenging. Marketing and patient retention strategies are crucial in this environment.
• High Cost of Living and Practice: The cost of living and operating a practice in a big city is significantly higher. Rent, utilities, staff salaries, and general expenses can eat into your profits.
• Work-Life Balance: The fast pace of city life can lead to longer working hours and a more stressful lifestyle. The demands of running a busy practice can make it challenging to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

2. Medium-Sized Town Practice: A Balanced Approach

Pros:

• Moderate Patient Volume: Medium-sized towns offer a balanced patient volume, often with a diverse range of cases. While there may be fewer patients than in a big city, the competition is typically less fierce, allowing for a more stable patient base.
• Community Involvement: In a medium-sized town, you have the opportunity to become a well-known figure in the community. Building strong relationships with patients can lead to long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Lower Costs: The cost of living and operating a practice is generally lower in medium-sized towns, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the financial pressures of a big city.
• Quality of Life: These towns often offer a higher quality of life, with less traffic, lower crime rates, and a slower pace, which can contribute to a better work-life balance.

Cons:

• Limited Growth Opportunities: While competition may be lower, the potential for rapid growth is also limited compared to a big city. Expanding your practice or specializing in niche areas may require more effort.
• Access to Advanced Technology: Medium-sized towns may not have the same level of access to cutting-edge technology and facilities as larger cities. This could limit the complexity of cases you can handle.
• Professional Isolation: Although less isolated than small towns, medium-sized towns may still lack the robust professional networks found in big cities, which can be a disadvantage for continuous learning and career development.

3. Small Town Practice: A Niche Market with Deep Roots

Pros:

• Close-Knit Community: In small towns, the sense of community is strong. Patients often become long-term clients, and the trust you build can lead to a highly loyal patient base. Being one of the few specialists in the area can establish you as the go-to expert.
• Lower Operating Costs: The cost of running a practice in a small town is significantly lower, with reduced expenses for rent, staff, and utilities. This can lead to higher profit margins despite potentially lower patient volumes.
• Less Competition: Small towns usually have fewer dental specialists, which can reduce competition and create a niche market for your services. Patients may travel from surrounding areas to see you, increasing your reach.
• Lifestyle Benefits: Small-town living offers a slower pace, less stress, and a close connection to nature. It’s an ideal environment for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with a strong work-life balance.

Cons:

• Limited Patient Volume: The smaller population size means fewer patients overall, which can limit the number of cases you see and potentially reduce your income.
• Professional Isolation: The lack of nearby specialists and limited access to advanced continuing education and networking opportunities can be challenging. You may need to travel to stay updated with industry advancements.
• Limited Access to Technology: Small towns may not have the latest dental technology or advanced medical facilities, which could restrict the range of services you can offer.

Conclusion: Weighing Your Options

When deciding where to practice as an endodontist, oral surgeon, or periodontist, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each setting against your personal and professional goals.

• Big cities offer the allure of high patient volume, advanced technology, and significant earning potential, but with the trade-offs of intense competition and high costs.

• Medium-sized towns provide a balanced environment with moderate competition, lower costs, and a strong sense of community, though growth may be slower.

• Small towns present an opportunity to build deep-rooted patient relationships with lower overhead, but with the challenges of limited patient volume and professional isolation.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your career aspirations, lifestyle preferences, and the type of practice you envision for yourself.

Consider your long-term goals and how each setting aligns with your values and priorities to make the most informed decision for your future in dentistry.