What corporate structure is commonly used to own Florida dental practices by licensed dentists?

• A. General partnerships with non-dentists
• B. Nonprofit hospitals
• C. Sole proprietorship by dentist
• D. Professional corporations

Answer: (D)

In Florida, ownership of dental practices is typically kept in the hands of licensed dentists, a constraint that leads to using a professional corporation as the usual vehicle. A professional corporation lets dentists form a corporate structure that owns the practice while the professional services are provided by licensed dentists. This setup gives formal governance, easier succession and expansion, and some liability protection for the dentist-owners, all while staying compliant with regulations that restrict non-dentist ownership. A solo dentist running as a sole proprietorship doesn’t offer the same corporate framework, nonprofit hospitals aren’t used to own private dental practices, and general partnerships with non-dentists aren’t generally permitted to own the practice. So, the common ownership model for Florida dental practices is a professional corporation.