Can a Florida dental practice be owned by a non-dentist?

• A. Yes; ownership by non-dentists is allowed if they also own a medical practice.
• B. Generally no; ownership is restricted to licensed dentists through professional corporations due to corporate practice doctrine.
• C. Yes; non-dentists may own any dental practice.
• D. Yes; if they lease it to a dentist.

Answer: (B)

In Florida, the professional service of dentistry is tightly protected by the corporate practice doctrine: licensed dentists must own and supervise the practice through a professional corporation or professional association. Because of this, a dental practice cannot be owned by a non-dentist; ownership and control of the professional services must remain with dentists. Non-dentists can own property or provide non-clinical management or support services, but they cannot own the dental practice itself or influence clinical decisions. Leasing to a dentist doesn’t change who owns the practice—the ownership stays with the dentist-operated professional entity. That’s why the correct answer is that ownership by non-dentists is generally not allowed.