Sevmom- I confess to knowing nothing about the economics of dentistry but if your dentist friend enjoyed the free for all years, I’m sure it is frustrating to see how the business model has changed- quite literally- underneath his feet.
We all remember the days when optometrists owned their own practice- sometimes their own building- and were both highly respected and highly compensated. I just bought a pair of bifocals at Costco (and got a free pair of prescription sunglasses) for a ridiculously low price. I was happy- sure. I’d have been happier to patronize my local optometrist/optician but I don’t think there are any left in my area. Between Lenscrafters and Costco and the other big chains… who can run an independent practice?