25 Business Ideas For Dentists [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a dentist in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a dentist could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for dentists?
We put together 25 of some of the best dentist business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other dentist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)
As a dentist, you could leverage your extensive knowledge and experience in dental practice to create an online course, offering valuable insights to both aspiring dental professionals and interested patients. Carefully crafted lessons on topics like dental hygiene, advanced procedures, patient communication, or even dental practice management could fill educational gaps and provide much-needed guidance.
By developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you could offer your course as either self-paced or cohort-based, appealing to a broad range of learners. This initiative not only allows you to share your passion for education but also presents a lucrative opportunity to build a student base, generating passive income with relatively low startup costs.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
2. Start a stationery business ($28.3K/month)
As a dentist, you could supplement your income by starting a stationery business, which allows you to explore your entrepreneurial spirit with minimal initial investment. Given the precision and attention to detail honed in your dental practice, you could channel these skills into designing high-quality, customized paper goods, notebooks, and greeting cards.
There are endless opportunities for creativity and expansion within the stationery industry, making it an exciting venture. You could start small by selling your products on Etsy or eBay, testing the market and gradually growing your business. Eventually, if your products gain popularity, you might even consider opening a physical storefront.
How much you can make: $200 — $260,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
3. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)
Starting a supplements company could be a smart venture for a dentist, as it aligns well with your expertise in health and wellness. You could leverage your credibility and knowledge to promote dietary supplements, vitamins, and other health products to your patients and a broader health-conscious audience. Given your existing relationships and trust with patients concerned about their overall well-being, this could translate into a loyal customer base.
Furthermore, the supplements business is relatively inexpensive to start and can be run from home, providing you with the flexibility to manage both your practice and your side business. Targeting fitness enthusiasts, wellness influencers, and nutrition-oriented individuals allows you to diversify your income streams and tap into a growing market. By advising on and selling supplements that promote oral and general health, you reinforce your role as a holistic healthcare provider while boosting your entrepreneurial success.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
4. Start a website designer ($22.8K/month)
As a dentist with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the lucrative field of website design to supplement your income. Equipped with a keen eye for detail and precision, skills you already employ in dentistry, you could translate these abilities into crafting visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
Given the increasing demand for polished online presences, companies and individuals constantly need functional, aesthetically pleasing websites to represent their brands. Your unique perspective from the healthcare industry could allow you to specialize in designing websites for medical professionals, giving you an edge in a niche market.
By blending your creativity with technical skills, building a portfolio, and steadily honing your craft, you could create a successful side business or even transition into a new career avenue. This opportunity offers a fulfilling combination of artistry and strategy, perfect for those looking to diversify their professional pursuits.
How much you can make: $2,350 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A creative director at a Brussels-based creative, technology, and e-commerce optimization agency outlines their process of building a digital agency that focuses on eCommerce and SEO-based projects while providing tips on the importance of looking up to others but never comparing yourself to them.
5. Build a SEO tool ($99.8K/month)
As a dentist, you could leverage your existing knowledge of running a practice to develop an SEO tool tailored specifically for dental websites. Many dental practices struggle to optimize their online presence, which affects their ability to attract new patients. By designing a specialized SEO tool that addresses the unique needs of dental websites, you could help fellow dentists improve their search engine rankings and ultimately grow their businesses.
Moreover, your background in dentistry gives you an edge in understanding the specific keywords, patient behaviors, and industry trends relevant to dental professionals. This insight could allow you to create highly targeted and effective SEO solutions that resonate with your peers. Not only could this supplement your income, but it could also position you as a thought leader in both the dental and digital marketing communities.
How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.
6. Start an automobile parts business ($436K/month)
As a dentist, you could explore the potential of starting an automobile parts business to supplement your income. Leveraging your entrepreneurial spirit, you could source car parts at lower prices and sell them wholesale to auto repair shops, dealerships, and body shops. This business aligns well with your analytical skills and attention to detail, crucial for understanding market demand and managing inventory effectively.
Furthermore, the auto parts business can be managed relatively flexibly, making it a viable side venture without compromising your dental practice. By researching competitive pricing and high-demand items like car seats, tires, engine oil, and brake pads, you could carve out a profitable niche in the market. This could be a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income stream while continuing to thrive as a dentist.
How much you can make: $45,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.
7. Start a soap business ($67K/month)
If you are a dentist looking for a way to supplement your income or start a side business, a soap-making venture could be a sensible and lucrative choice. Given the growing demand for quality skincare products, you could leverage your expertise in health and hygiene to create unique, health-centric soap products. With an initial investment of less than $1,000 for supplies, you could start a home-based business that fits easily into your free time.
As a healthcare professional, you could capitalize on your credibility by marketing soaps that focus on natural ingredients, catering to patients who are increasingly conscious of their skincare choices. The online marketplace for skincare products continues to expand, making it a relatively accessible field to break into. By drawing on your medical background, you could highlight the health benefits of your products, thus differentiating yourself from other soap makers and building a loyal customer base.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $380,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
8. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)
As a dentist, you already understand the importance of health and wellness, which could naturally extend to starting a natural beauty product business. Leveraging your expertise in oral care and overall patient health, you could develop and market products that emphasize natural, chemical-free ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter.
The global natural skin care products market size was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, signaling a strong demand for these kinds of products. By focusing on the growing trend towards natural and holistic health solutions, you could create a line that appeals to health-conscious consumers, supplementing your income or even evolving into a full-fledged business.
Check out our case studies to see how others have successfully launched their natural beauty product lines, and start exploring the possibilities for yourself!
How much you can make: $300 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
9. Start a skin care product line ($110K/month)
As a dentist, leveraging your clinical knowledge and meticulous attention to patient care can give you a unique edge in the booming skincare industry. You could develop a skin care product line that emphasizes health, safety, and scientifically backed benefits, affording you the opportunity to use your medical background to instill trust and loyalty among customers. Given that the skincare market was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to grow annually by 4.6% until 2030, this venture holds significant promise.
By creating products that cater to anti-aging and other skin concerns, you could tap into a lucrative sector while leveraging your existing customer base for initial market entry. Just as you’ve been meticulous with dental treatments, applying the same level of care to your skincare line could differentiate your brand in a crowded market. This could be a strategic and rewarding side business or even develop into a full-fledged enterprise.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
10. Make a body care products ($44.3K/month)
As a dentist, you could leverage your expertise in health and wellness to create a line of body care products. By focusing on items such as soaps, lotions, and scrubs that promote skin health, you align with the growing consumer interest in self-care and natural products. Your background in health gives you a unique edge in formulating products that are safe and effective.
Starting a body care product line involves some legwork but is feasible. You'll need to research high-quality ingredients, design appealing packaging, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Platforms like Etsy or your own website can help you reach a broad audience without needing a physical storefront.
By focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging or unique formulations, you have the chance to differentiate your brand in a saturated market. This venture could not only supplement your income but also provide a creative outlet, transforming your small business into a beloved brand.
How much you can make: $300 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Heliotrope San Francisco is an all-natural skincare line that started as a small shop in the Bay Area over ten years ago, choosing slow, sustainable growth, and expects to earn approximately $250K in sales this year.
11. Start a wireframing software business ($199K/month)
If you have a knack for design and a passion for technology, starting a wireframing software business could be an exciting venture for you. As a dentist, you could leverage your understanding of patient experience to develop software that enhances user interfaces for healthcare applications and websites. This unique perspective could give your product an edge in a competitive market.
Wireframing software is essential for UI/UX designers, helping them plan and mock up layouts for websites and apps, and your business could simplify this creative process. With the rising demand for intuitive, user-friendly digital products, there’s a growing market for effective wireframing tools. While you’ll need to invest time in learning design principles and software development, the potential for significant rewards makes this a compelling entrepreneurial opportunity.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $675 (?)
How long does it take to build: 562 days (?)
Founder Brian Nyagol started Brainverse Technologies in Kenya, Africa, focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises digitize their business, digitalize their processes and build effective digital footprints, with an average monthly revenue of $4,500, serving a total of 113 clients in the past 2 years through referrals and online advertising.
12. Start a litter removal business ($44.8K/month)
As a dentist, you could utilize your organizational skills and community connections to start a litter removal business, making a tangible impact in your local area. This hands-on venture could serve as a fulfilling side business that not only supplements your income but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
By marketing your services to property managers, event coordinators, and municipal governments, you could tap into a steady stream of clients who appreciate a cleaner environment. The required investment is relatively low, with basic equipment like trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and a vehicle for transporting waste. This business aligns well with the growing public awareness of environmental issues, offering you a way to be part of the green movement while diversifying your professional activities.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $90,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.
13. Design a digital file platform ($19.5K/month)
Starting a digital file platform could offer a lucrative side business for a dentist looking to diversify income streams. Imagine creating a secure, user-friendly hub where professionals, including those in the healthcare sector, can store and manage sensitive documents, patient records, or even educational materials seamlessly. This not only meets the increasing demand for digital solutions but also taps into your understanding of the importance of data security in professional settings.
With your background, you could specifically tailor the platform to meet the needs of medical and dental practices, ensuring it includes features like encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive information. Marketing the platform through channels frequented by healthcare professionals, like medical forums and industry conferences, could help establish a robust user base.
Investing in robust cloud infrastructure will be key, but the potential payoff in convenience and security for your users—and a new revenue stream for you—makes this an exciting entrepreneurial venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 152 days (?)
This case study is about a freelancer turned founder who started an online business selling unique 2D digital designs for CNC machines, with only basic design knowledge and part-time work, and now has a standalone running business with revenues of up to $7K per month.
14. Start a metal sign business ($510K/month)
As a dentist with an entrepreneurial spirit, you could channel your attention to detail and creativity into starting a metal sign business. This venture requires a relatively low initial investment and allows you to explore your artistic and design skills. You would create both interior and exterior signage that can help businesses enhance their brand awareness and better communicate with their customers.
Given your familiarity with precision and aesthetics in dentistry, you may find the detailed work of metal signage creation quite fulfilling. Furthermore, sourcing reliable metal sheets will be crucial, but once established, this business could potentially serve as a lucrative supplement to your dental practice or even evolve into a full-fledged side business. This opportunity pairs well with your professional expertise while offering a new creative outlet and an additional income stream.
How much you can make: $220,000 — $800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Front Signs is a B2B sign-making company that started with four friends and grew to a team of 42 employees, generating an average monthly revenue of $800,000 from over 500,000 nationwide customers, including Coca-Cola, Six Flags, and Armani Exchange.
15. Sell aircraft spare parts
As a dentist with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the lucrative niche of selling aircraft spare parts, capitalizing on the industry's projected growth, which is expected to surpass USD 47.33 billion in the next few years. This venture could serve as a robust side business or even a full-time endeavor, diversifying your income and leveraging your detail-oriented nature cultivated from dental practice.
Entering this market would involve navigating federal regulations to ensure safety and airworthiness, but your experience in adhering to stringent dental industry standards could make the transition smoother. Forming strategic partnerships—by either franchising with an established brand or collaborating with competitors—could further boost your chances of success, providing you with a competitive edge in this regulated, yet highly profitable, industry.
16. Start an airport lawn care services business
As a dentist, you could leverage your existing business acumen and people skills to start a profitable side venture in airport lawn care services. Airports require constant upkeep of their vast landscapes to maintain safety and aesthetics, offering a steady demand for professional lawn care. With your background, you could efficiently manage operations, marketing, and client relations while possibly hiring a team for the technical aspects of the work.
This venture could supplement your income significantly, especially given the high-value contracts often associated with airport maintenance. By investing in the right equipment and fostering relationships with airport authorities, you could establish a reputable and lucrative business parallel to your dental practice.
17. Start a carbon offsetting business
As a dentist, starting a carbon offsetting business could be a unique opportunity to supplement your income while contributing to environmental sustainability. Given the increasing awareness and demand for eco-friendly practices, you could leverage your existing network of patients and colleagues to promote carbon offsetting services. This side business can range from facilitating tree planting initiatives to investing in renewable energy projects, making it a flexible venture that complements your primary profession.
Additionally, your skills in practice management and patient care can easily translate into running a successful carbon offsetting business. You could offer customized plans for individuals or businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, thereby creating a recurring revenue stream. This entrepreneurial endeavor not only diversifies your income but also positions you as a forward-thinking professional committed to making a positive impact on the planet.
18. Start a video marketing business ($272K/month)
As a dentist, starting a video marketing business could be a strategic way to supplement your income and diversify your skills in the digital age. You could leverage your expertise to create engaging dental health videos, explainer videos about common dental procedures, or even marketing videos for other dental practices. This niche approach can not only help you attract new clients to your own practice but also create a steady revenue stream by offering your services to other dental professionals.
Moreover, video content is the leading form of online consumption, making this a high-demand field. You could play a critical role in helping businesses craft compelling visual narratives and impactful marketing campaigns. By mastering video editing software and understanding digital trends, you could build a successful video marketing business that complements your dental practice and expands your reach in the medical community.
How much you can make: $32,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
19. Start a nutrition supplements business ($248K/month)
As a dentist, you could capitalize on the multi-billion dollar nutrition supplements market by offering products that complement oral health. Your expertise and credibility in healthcare can help you market supplements, such as calcium and vitamin D, that support teeth and gum health. This not only expands your service offerings but also provides a holistic approach to patient care.
Engaging in this industry could allow you to identify market gaps within dental-specific supplements and introduce products that address those niches. You could choose to manufacture your own line of supplements or partner with an existing manufacturer, thus leveraging your dental practice to reach a broader audience. By integrating nutrition supplements into your practice, you could create an additional revenue stream while enhancing your patients' overall well-being.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.
20. Start a content creation business ($80.3K/month)
As a dentist, starting a content creation business could open up exciting opportunities to supplement your income while leveraging your professional expertise. You could produce educational content such as articles, blogs, and videos focused on oral health, dental hygiene tips, and various treatments, serving as a reliable resource for both patients and other dental professionals.
Your specialized knowledge ensures that the content you create is accurate and valuable, helping to elevate marketing campaigns for dental practices or health-focused brands. By targeting niche-specific audiences, you could offer personalized and effective messaging that aligns with client goals, whether working as a freelancer or running a full-service content studio.
Furthermore, the flexibility offered by content creation allows you to balance your time between patients and your business, while positioning yourself as a thought leader in the dental industry. This not only enhances your digital presence but also drives lead generation and visibility in today’s content-heavy market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
21. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)
As a dentist with a knack for writing and a successful blog sharing your expertise, you could expand your impact by becoming a blogging coach. Leveraging your experience, you could create courses that teach others how to build successful business blogs, choose engaging blog topics, and optimize conversions.
Given the increasing trend of businesses and individuals embracing blogging as a content marketing strategy, your unique perspective could be invaluable. You could guide fellow professionals and budding bloggers in transforming their knowledge into compelling content, ensuring a steady demand for your coaching services and creating a lucrative side business.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 12 days (?)
Ryan Robinson explains how he built a blog with over 500k monthly visitors and generates $25,000-$55,000 in revenue each month through affiliate partnerships, sponsorships, and his own digital products like courses and books.
22. Start a sales coaching program ($106K/month)
As a dentist with entrepreneurial aspirations, you could consider starting a sales coaching program to supplement your income and diversify your professional endeavors. Dentists are adept at communication, patient management, and converting consultations into treatments—all skills that translate well into sales coaching. You could train individuals or teams to enhance their sales techniques, focusing on customer relationship management, closing deals, and handling complex negotiations.
This venture would involve creating comprehensive training materials and understanding the latest industry trends in sales. By leveraging your experience and testimonials, you could establish credibility and gradually build a robust client base. Launching a sales coaching program offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on other businesses while securing a rewarding and potentially lucrative side business for yourself.
How much you can make: $9,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Digital marketing agency founder Rahul Alim shares how he grew his business to consistently generate over 7-figures in revenue year-over-year and retain clients for many years through affordable digital marketing strategies that employ the CAP method (Customer Acquisition Program).
23. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
Starting an online food business could be an exciting venture for a dentist looking to supplement their income. The ability to create and sell meals through an online platform offers a way to connect with a diverse audience, from busy professionals to cooking novices and adventurous eaters. This kind of business allows you to explore your culinary passion while tapping into the growing demand for convenience and variety in food delivery.
Given your meticulous attention to detail and precision as a dentist, these skills could translate well into menu planning, ingredient sourcing, preparation, and packaging. Furthermore, your existing patient network and professional relationships could serve as a valuable initial customer base. With the growing trend of online food businesses, you could find a rewarding intersection between culinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, all while potentially boosting your income.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
24. Start a car detailing business
As a dentist, you could consider leveraging the flexible hours of your practice to start a car detailing business. Your attention to detail and precision in dentistry would translate well to meticulously cleaning and maintaining vehicles, making you well-suited to handle the intricate work involved in car detailing. This side business could be run during your off-hours or weekends, allowing you to supplement your income without detracting from your primary profession.
Additionally, you could market your services to your existing patient base, offering them a convenient and trusted option for car care. Your established reputation for professionalism and quality in dentistry could further enhance the credibility of your car detailing business. By combining your entrepreneurial spirit with your skill set, you could create a profitable and fulfilling side venture.
25. Start an online advertising agency ($177K/month)
As a dentist, starting an online advertising agency could be a viable way to supplement your income and utilize your knowledge of the healthcare industry. You could leverage your understanding of patient needs and healthcare marketing to help other dental practices or healthcare providers promote their services online. This not only provides additional revenue but also allows you to remain connected to the dental community from a different angle.
You could start by learning the basics of digital marketing through free online resources, which would enable you to manage this side business on a budget. Setting up a professional website and creating social media profiles would showcase your skills and attract potential clients. Initially, you might build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, gradually scaling up your operation as you gain experience and credibility in the field.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.