Are you suffering with owner fatigue?
You’ve built a successful practice. But are you still energised by it — or just keeping it afloat?
Many owners hit a crossroads after 10–12 years:
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Growth stalls
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Decision fatigue creeps in
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You're doing too much — or not sure what's next
Take our quick online test now — just 7 questions in under 2 minutes — to get clarity on where you are now and where to go next.
The Ownership Curve
Many dentists see ownership as the ultimate goal — but what comes after you’ve crossed that line?
The reality is, ownership isn’t a destination. It’s an ongoing journey with different stages along the way.
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we’ve worked with thousands of practice owners across the UK. Over time, a clear pattern emerged. A rhythm. A curve.
We call it The Ownership Curve – and chances are, you’re on it right now.
01
Ignition
(typically years 0-2)
You’ve either bought or built your practice. It’s exciting, intense, and a bit chaotic.
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High energy
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Lots of learning
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Strong emotional drive
Common thoughts:
“I’m finally doing it.”
“There’s so much to figure out… but I’m in!”
02
Expansion
(Typically Years 3-5)
You’ve got your feet under the table. You start investing in people, marketing, systems.
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Growing confidence
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Strategic experimentation
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Sense of momentum
Common thoughts:
“Let’s see how far I can take this.”
“We could scale this if I hire right.”
03
Optimisation
(Typically Years 6-8)
The practice stabilises. You’ve got recurring revenue, solid staff, and fewer surprises.
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System refinement
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Profit-focus emerges
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A clearer structure
Common thoughts:
“I want to maximise what we’ve built.”
“Now I need to make this work for me too.”
04
Plateau
(Typically Years 9-12)
You’re running a mature practice. But the spark dims. Decisions feel heavier.
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Strategic fatigue
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‘Flatline’ feeling despite success
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Growing reflection: “What next?”
Common thoughts:
“I can’t keep doing this forever.”
“Do I reshape, sell, or just survive?”
"It's time to design my next chapter."
05
Inflection Point
(Typically Years 13+)
You start to seriously consider your exit, legacy, or reinvention.
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Time horizon becomes clearer
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Emotional clarity or resistance grows
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Need for a plan becomes urgent
Common thoughts:
“I want to go out on a high.”
“It’s time to design my next chapter.”
Why This Curve Matters
Recognising where you are on the curve helps you:
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Make better decisions
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Protect your energy
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Stay in control of your options
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Avoid drifting into regret
The most dangerous time for a practice owner isn’t during chaos — it’s during coasting.
That’s when fatigue takes hold quietly.
Wherever you are on the curve, you are not alone.
Every stage has its own challenges — and its own opportunities.
The key is recognising the moment you’re in…
And acting with clarity.
Published Evidence
2,053
UK dentists found that stress and burnout are linked primarily to regulation, patient complaints, and NHS pressures.
Source: 2023 BDA Research
63%
of Dental Professionals are burnt out & exhausted.
Source: Dental Protection 2025
>50%
Of dentists report poor work-life balance.
Source: The British Dental Nurses Journal 2024
65%
Of practice owners struggle with regulatory/compliance burden.
Source: A BDA-supported blog 2023