Dental Practice Demographics: The 12 Data Points That Can Make or Break Your Startup
Opening your own dental practice? Then you already know: picking the right location isn’t just about what’s available—it’s about what works.
That’s where dental practice demographics come in.
At Ideal Practices, we’ve helped over 900 startup dentists launch with confidence. And one of the biggest differences between thriving and just surviving? Choosing the right location, backed by real data.
What Should You Look For?
We use 12 key demographic metrics when helping clients choose where to open. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Population Size & Growth – Aim for 2,000+ people in a 5-mile radius, with steady growth over 1, 5, and 10 years.
Income Levels – Household and disposable income affect everything from FFS viability to elective treatment acceptance.
Average Age – Sweet spot is 35–50: family-aged, career-established, care-seeking adults.
Homeownership – Owner-occupied housing often equals better retention.
Employment Rate – More employment = more insurance = more reliable case acceptance.
Transit Access – Helpful in diverse or urban communities.
Dentist Density – Yes, competition matters—but only with context.
One Ratio Often Makes All the Difference
Want to know which two metrics are most predictive of startup success? I share the full breakdown in the Startup Dentist Book—you can grab a free copy while supplies last.
Use These Metrics to Choose the Right Zip Code—Fast
No expensive software needed. We teach doctors how to use these 12 data points in under 10 minutes using real-world tools in our Startup Practice Blueprint course.
Recap: What Makes a Great Dental Startup Location?
Growing population
Strong income levels
Targeted age range
Homeownership
Manageable dentist-to-population ratio
Need Help Making the Right Call?
Schedule a consultation call to review your location ideas with our team. Or hear from other doctors who’ve nailed their launch the first time on our testimonials page or the Ideal Practices Podcast.
Your location isn’t just where your practice sits. It’s the foundation of your future. Let’s get it right.
—Stephen Trutter