Should Dentists Work Without a Dental Assistant?

Should Dentists Work Without a Dental Assistant?

A recent Dentaltown thread sparked a passionate discussion among dentists grappling with a tough question: Is it viable or wise to practice without a dental assistant?

The original poster is considering buying a small two-op practice where the retiring dentist often worked solo, relying occasionally on the front desk. With limited overhead and a relatively light patient load, the idea of continuing that model seemed appealing. But the community’s responses reveal just how complex this decision really is.

The case for going solo
Several dentists said working without an assistant can be efficient, peaceful, and even preferable in some cases. For lean startups or slow-paced practices, avoiding staffing headaches, personality clashes, and payroll costs can be a huge relief. Tools like DryShield, Isolite, and rubber dams were commonly cited as viable aids for solo dentistry. A few posters shared that they’ve been assistant-free for years, some by choice, others out of necessity, saying it made them more organized and independent.

A minority even reported being more productive without assistants, citing fewer distractions and less drama. One dentist called it “finding peace,” describing the joy of simple routines like running spore tests without interference. For others, it’s about control: knowing every tool is exactly where it should be and never worrying about tardiness or turnover.

The case against it
The overwhelming majority, though, warned against it. The biggest issues raised were efficiency, safety, and risk. Doing your own suction, retraction, setup, sterilization, and documentation slows everything down and limits what procedures you can do. Molars, crown try-ins, surgical extractions: these are exponentially harder alone. And many dentists pointed out how patient care and comfort can suffer when one person is juggling too much.

Legal and reputational concerns came up repeatedly. Being alone in a room with a patient, especially one of the opposite sex, was flagged as a major liability in today’s litigious environment. Several posters shared horror stories of false accusations that nearly ended careers, and some suggested installing video surveillance or simply never practicing solo for this reason alone.

Others noted the broader staffing crisis. Assistant wages have risen, with some asking $30 to $34 per hour, while small practices struggle to hit $2,000 per day in production. Some dentists said they had no choice but to go it alone temporarily, thanks to ghosting temps or assistants quitting for higher pay at fast-food chains, but none considered it ideal. 

The middle ground
Some suggested compromises: hiring cross-trained front desk staff, using minimal sedation protocols, scheduling longer appointment blocks, or employing non-licensed help for setup and breakdown. Others said even one solid, reliable assistant was a game changer, helping not just with suction but with managing workflow, prepping ops, and improving turnover.

One dentist summed it up bluntly: “The practice is only as good as the staff, whether we like it or not.”

Takeaway
While working solo is technically possible, it’s rarely optimal. For most dentists, having a competent assistant isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for safe, efficient, and scalable care. That said, in today’s hiring climate, flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to adapt may matter more than dogma. Some will thrive lean. Most will perform better with backup. Either way, the choice comes down to your personality, patient volume, legal comfort, and tolerance for chaos.


Join the Conversation!


Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450