Patterns of dental practice in the United States: solo vs group practice.

This overview of selected characteristics of group and solo practices provides baseline information on the dimensions and structures of two general practice types in the United States. It appears that although a dentist spends no more hours or sees no more patients on the average in a group practice, the structure in terms of use of auxiliaries, appointment flexibility, and structured programs provides the dentist in a group practice more opportunity to participate in other professional activities and generate a higher income. Further analysis on the interrelation of these variables will provide a more conclusive comparison of group and solo practices. Also, more conclusive research on variations among different types of group arrangements is needed to appreciate differences in partnerships, groups, and incorporations.