Serving 85+ Households Nationwide · Fiduciary Financial Advisor
A Financial Plan Built for New Dentists
New dentists face one of the most financially complex transitions of any profession: six-figure dental school debt, an income that takes a few years to reach full potential, and the looming decision of whether and when to buy or start a practice. Getting the financial foundation right in the first five years of a dental career sets the trajectory for everything that follows.
The Financial Challenges New Dentists Face
These are not generic financial planning issues. They are specific to your profession, your income structure, and the decisions you are likely facing right now.
Dental school debt: the most important financial decision you will make early on
The average dental school graduate carries $300,000 or more in student loan debt. The repayment strategy, income-driven repayment, standard repayment, or refinancing, has to be aligned with your career path. Dentists at nonprofit or public health organizations may qualify for PSLF. Private practice dentists refinance. Taking the wrong path can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We model each option and give you a clear recommendation.
Should you buy a practice, start one, or stay employed?
Practice ownership can dramatically increase a dentist's earning potential, but it also introduces business debt, management responsibility, and financial risk. Staying employed at a group practice or DSO offers stability and lower financial complexity. Before making the practice decision, we model your personal financial situation under each scenario so the decision is based on your full picture.
Building personal savings during the income ramp-up years
New dentists often feel like they cannot save anything during the first few years: income is lower than expected, student loan payments are high, and equipment or business debt may add to the burden. But the habits built in the first five years set the savings rate for the rest of your career. You can make steady personal financial progress even during the early years. It just has to be planned.
Retirement savings as a self-employed dentist
Practice owners have access to powerful retirement savings vehicles, Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or even defined benefit plans, that allow significantly higher contributions than standard employee plans. Setting these up correctly and contributing consistently is one of the highest-return financial moves available to a dentist in private practice.
A financial advisor who makes sure you're actually building the life you want.
Chris started Villaire Financial because the financial services industry has largely overlooked people in their 20s and 30s for decades. He built this firm specifically for young professionals to give them clarity and direction with their finances.
Meet ChrisWhat a Financial Plan for New Dentists Covers
Villaire Financial is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm built for young professionals. No asset minimums. No commissions. A real plan built around your actual situation.
What clients say about working with Chris
"I'm so glad I started working with Chris early on in my career. He worked with me to create a plan that's unique to my financial goals and helped me get started with investing and planning for retirement."
"Chris has always been on top of his work and has helped me better my financial future. He truly cares about his clients and is continually trying to improve. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for financial growth and guidance."
"Working with Villaire Financial has been great. I wouldn't have started investing my money if it wasn't for Chris, and I'm glad I did. Chris is easy to communicate with and really understands how to help Gen Z put their money in the right places."
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided. Individual experiences and results will vary.
Common Questions from New Dentists
Should a new dentist refinance dental school loans?
Only after carefully evaluating your career path. Dentists working at qualifying nonprofit community health centers or public health agencies may be eligible for PSLF, and refinancing eliminates that option permanently. Private practice dentists with high-interest federal loans often benefit from refinancing, especially once income stabilizes. We evaluate your specific situation before recommending either direction.
When should a new dentist start saving for retirement?
Now, even at a small amount. The compounding effect of money invested in your late 20s and early 30s is significantly higher than money saved in your 40s. Even a $200 monthly IRA contribution started at 28 is worth more than $500 a month started at 42. A savings plan that balances loan payments with retirement contributions is part of the work from day one.
How do I know if buying a practice makes financial sense?
Practice ownership increases a dentist's lifetime earnings significantly, but requires taking on business debt, managing staff, and accepting more income variability in the early years of ownership. The decision depends on your risk tolerance, your personal financial situation, and whether you have the management appetite for running a business. We model both paths with your real numbers.
What retirement plan should a dentist who owns a practice use?
A Solo 401(k) is the most common starting point: high contribution limits, Roth option, and loan provisions. As income grows, a defined benefit (pension) plan can allow dramatically higher pre-tax contributions for dentists over 45 who want to accelerate retirement savings. We identify the right structure for your income level and timeline.
Does Villaire Financial work with dentists who are still in the income ramp-up phase?
Yes. New dentists with significant student debt and limited savings are a common client type at Villaire Financial. There is no asset minimum. The planning work done in the first few years of a dental career has the highest return of any point in the profession.
Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call
No sales pitch, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about your financial situation and what working together would look like. The call is free and there is no pressure to move forward.
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