July 2026 Dentistry and the Law — Can Unlicensed People Own a Dental Practice? Who is Enforcing the Law?

Authors

• Daniel Schulte JD, Michigan Dental AssociationFollow

Abstract

This legal column addresses the complexities of dental practice ownership in Michigan, clarifying that only licensed dentists can legally own a practice through professional corporations or professional limited liability companies. It explains the "Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine," which aims to ensure licensed professionals, rather than profit-motivated lay persons, control health service delivery. The article details how management companies often operate legally as landlords or service providers without technically owning the practice itself. Finally, it notes that only the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the attorney general have the authority to enforce these regulations.

Recommended Citation

Schulte, Daniel JD (2026) "July 2026 Dentistry and the Law — Can Unlicensed People Own a Dental Practice? Who is Enforcing the Law?," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108: No. 7, Article 4.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss7/4