As more and more dentists approach their 50s and 60s, they’re realizing that retirement and practice transition aren’t just theoretical ideas anymore—they’re impending realities that are just around the corner. And while the profession of dentistry has been a great ride for many, fatigue and loss of patience (not patients!) when dealing with staff and others is undeniable. At this stage of the game, everything is just a bit harder than it used to be. Sure, for many dentists this age, practicing would still be fun, but only on a limited basis and without the management headaches.

So why aren’t more senior dentists embracing the idea of retirement and flocking out the door? Because many dentists wonder if they can retire…financially, that is. They wonder if they have enough saved in their retirement plans. They wonder if they really can live comfortably the rest of their life without the daily grind of work. They wonder if they’ll still be able to pay for their daughter’s wedding or help send the grandkids to college. Most of all, they wonder if they’ve made the right investment decisions over the years.

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You know who you are…one of the many forty- to fifty-something-year-olds who seem to have it all. You’re a successful dentist, respected by your colleagues and patients, highly-skilled, and enjoying the fruits of the good life. So what’s the problem?

Well, chances are that every now and then you wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. Am I saving enough for my retirement? How much is enough? Can I keep up this pace in my practice? Will I be able to pay for my children’s college? What if I become disabled? What if…?

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