Why young dentists are buying practices with no business training — and why it should scare us all

Would you trust a driver with no licence? Then why trust yourself to run a practice untrained?

The independent valuers are consistently reporting an increase in ownership interest from younger dental associates, looking to take their first steps on to the entrepreneurship ladder.

Quite frequently now, I see a complimentary Zoom call in my calendar with a member of that tribe of budding Owners and, I have to say, the ensuing conversations worry me a little.

Nobody has ever read Michael Gerber's "E-Myth Revisited" or done any significant research on the real trials and tribulations of running a dental business.

They don't realise that "time off for fun" may well become a distant memory.

They don't understand that unless they master leadership, pricing, and team dynamics, no clinical course will make them profitable or fulfilled.

They simply don't have a driver's licence and have rarely taken any driving lessons.

However, I've mentioned in this blog before that banks, accountants, lawyers and valuers will gladly set the deal up and hand them the controls of the "vehicle".

I'm seeing many a social media post from people boarding driverless cabs in the USA, the initial apprehension calming as the vehicle makes it way through busy streets.

I'm not so sure I'd be happy to board a cab with a driver at the controls who had no licence or experience.

So, in my ideal world, just like you have to before you put your hands in a patient's mouth, I'd like to see a competency test before you are allowed to take over or open a business.

I'll not be holding my breath....

At the very least, if you do find yourself sat there and wondering what to do - hire a driving instructor.