How Fiat Broke Dentistry
Fiat money — government-issued currency not backed by anything tangible — has quietly undermined the financial health and independence of dental practices across the country. As the dollar loses value year after year, dentists are caught between rising costs, stagnant reimbursements, and growing debt. Here's how it happened:
The Hidden Tax of Inflation
Every year, the cost of materials, lab work, equipment, and staff salaries increases — but insurance reimbursements rarely keep up. That's because inflation, driven by endless money printing, eats away at the value of your earnings. Dentists are working harder than ever just to maintain the same standard of living.
Student and Practice Debt
Most dentists graduate with hundreds of thousands in debt — a burden made worse by inflation and rising interest rates. The fiat system encourages borrowing, but it punishes savers and those trying to build equity. Running a practice means constantly navigating loans, leases, and financial uncertainty.
Insurance, Compliance, and Red Tape
The fiat system props up bloated bureaucracies. Insurers and regulators expand requirements, delay payments, and burden you with paperwork. You're not just a doctor — you're a financial administrator navigating a maze of inefficiency that costs time and revenue.
The Rise of Corporate Dentistry
As margins shrink and costs rise, many private dentists feel forced to sell to corporate DSOs. What was once a path to professional freedom has become a slow march toward consolidation — not by choice, but by necessity. Fiat erodes independence.
Dentistry didn't break itself — it was slowly gutted by a broken financial system. If you've ever wondered why it feels like you're working harder for less, this is why. The good news is: there's a way out.