There’s a heaviness in the air right now. You can feel it in the operatory. In the front office. Even in the quiet moments after the last patient leaves.

The schedule isn’t as full as it used to be. New patient calls have slowed. Treatment acceptance has dipped. And those lingering doubts begin to creep in.

“What if this doesn’t turn around?”
“Should I start cutting hours… or staff?”
“Should I sell the practice before things get worse?”
“Have I failed?”

If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions lately, you’re not alone.

The truth is, dentistry—like every industry—is feeling the squeeze of a sluggish economy. People are cautious. Inflation has stretched household budgets. Elective treatment is being postponed. And dental practice owners across the country are left staring at the books, fighting off panic, and trying to hold it all together.

When Fear Speaks Loudest

In times like these, many dentists feel pressure to act fast—to sell the practice, downsize prematurely, or chase trends that don’t align with their long-term vision. And while some adjustments might be necessary, decisions made from a place of fear rarely serve us well.

Fear wants action now. But wisdom asks for patience.

Because this economy? It’s not the end. It’s a cycle. And cycles don’t last forever.

What History—and Dentistry—Teaches Us

Recessions come and go. Always have. Always will.

We’ve had 33 recessions in the United States since 1857. That’s about one every decade, give or take. And every single one of them eventually gave way to recovery. Then growth. Then another boom.

If you’re early or mid-career, expect to weather 4 to 5 more downturns in your lifetime.

The key isn’t to avoid them—it’s to prepare for them during the good times.

Those who thrive long-term are the ones who:

• Save during prosperous years

• Avoid lifestyle creep when collections soar

• Keep their debt low and reserves high

• Make long-term decisions, not short-term reactions

This is the mindset that allows you to ride out the storm rather than be swept away by it.

The Mental Toll of a Slow Practice

Dentistry has always been emotionally demanding. Add in economic pressure, and the weight can become unbearable.

You’re not just trying to pay the bills—you’re trying to support your team, maintain your reputation, provide for your family, and stay calm while it feels like everything is slowing down around you.

It’s no wonder burnout and depression are so common among dental professionals. According to the ADA, 46% of dentists report frequent or constant stress. And many suffer in silence, thinking they have to figure it out alone.

You don’t.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out—to a therapist, a mentor, a colleague, or even a friend. You don’t have to carry the fear quietly. You’re human first. Dentist second.

The Power of Living Conservatively (Without Killing All Joy)

Living below your means isn’t about giving up all the fun things in life. It’s about buying your peace of mind.

It’s about taking that big vacation because you saved for it—not because you threw it on a credit card and hoped your next month’s production would cover it.

It’s about knowing that if the practice slows, you can still make payroll. You can still sleep at night. You can still breathe.

And when the storm passes—and it will—you’ll be in a position to rebuild stronger, faster, and smarter.

Now Is the Time to Build Resilience, Not to Panic

Use this time wisely. Instead of slashing everything out of desperation:

• Evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

• Strengthen your systems.

• Reinvest in your team.

• Reconnect with patients.

• Refocus on the kind of practice you want to build long-term.

Remember: Growth doesn’t always mean more production. Sometimes, it means deeper clarity, stronger foundations, and better alignment with your values.

The practices that weather economic storms best aren’t the flashiest or the busiest. They’re the most resilient—the ones who prepared in the sunshine and stayed calm in the rain.

This Too Shall Pass

You became a dentist because you wanted to help people. You built a practice with your bare hands, and you’ve already come farther than most ever will.

A slow quarter doesn’t define you.
A canceled crown doesn’t erase your value.
And a recession doesn’t mean it’s time to walk away.

It means it’s time to steady your hands, quiet your thoughts, and remember who you are.

Because when the economy rebounds—and it always does—you’ll be ready.

Stronger. Wiser. And still standing.

Need support navigating the storm?
At Veritas Dental Resources, we don’t just train teams and negotiate PPOs—we stand with dental practices through the hard times, helping you protect your vision and your peace of mind. If you're in it for the long haul, we’re here for you.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com