Retirement Strategies for Dentists
Learning Objectives:
How and why to finance a comfortable retirement.
Avoiding the risk of running out of money in retirement.
How to make the government partly pay for retirement.
Presentation Summary:
Most dentists are not mindfully focused on retirement as, according to ADA, the average age of retiring dentists has been steadily increasing. Another challenge in the profession is that those offering retirement planning advice are salespeople trying to make commissions. This presentation aims to provide key, actionable information about retirement planning in an educational environment. It offers a comprehensive overview of the various retirement plans available to dentists.
This presentation demonstrates how to create a roadmap to ensure that a dentist has the financial resources to live comfortably during retirement and to pursue their goals and dreams. It also helps to reduce stress and uncertainty about their financial future. The setting of financial goals, assessing the current financial situation, and creating a plan to achieve those goals are dealt with. This may include saving money in a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, investing in stocks or other assets, and creating a budget to help save and manage money.
The presentation helps participants to be financially prepared for the future. It gives them a sense of control over their financial future and confidence that retirement will be what they have always wanted.
A range of retirement plan options, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), are covered, along with the unique considerations that dentists should consider when selecting a retirement plan.
Throughout the presentation, case studies and examples illustrate the key concepts and help participants understand how the different retirement plans work. By the end of the presentation, they will have a solid understanding of the retirement planning options available and how to choose the best plan under different circumstances.
Duration: From 1 Hour to a Half Day
Retirement planning for dentists: what this course covers
Dentists often start saving later than other professionals because of years in school and practice debt, so the window to build retirement wealth is shorter. This course shows dental practice owners and associates in the United States how to close that gap with the tax-advantaged plans the IRS allows, and how to choose between them without a sales pitch.
Who this course is for
- Practice owners who want the practice, not just their paycheck, to fund retirement
- Associates and new owners deciding between a Roth and a pre-tax strategy
- Dentists within 10 to 15 years of selling or retiring who need to catch up
- Study clubs and dental meetings that want an objective, non-commissioned session
Retirement plans for dentists, explained
- 401(k) with profit sharing: employee deferrals (the 2026 limit is $24,500, plus catch-up contributions from age 50) combined with employer profit-sharing contributions for the owner and staff.
- Safe harbor design: how a safe harbor 401(k) avoids failed nondiscrimination testing in a practice with a small team.
- Cash balance and defined benefit plans: how high-income owners can contribute far more than a 401(k) allows and deduct it from practice income.
- SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA: when a simpler plan is the right fit, and when it costs you.
- Roth options: Roth 401(k) contributions and the backdoor Roth IRA for dentists above the income limits.
What attendees walk away with
- A clear way to estimate how much they need to retire and what they are on track for today
- A side-by-side view of plan types, costs and staff contributions
- Questions to ask before buying any retirement product or annuity
- A one-page action plan to take to their CPA or advisor
Related course: Dental Tax Savings Strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best retirement plan for a dentist?
It depends on income, age, staff size and how much you want to put away. Many practice owners pair a 401(k) with profit sharing and, at higher incomes, add a cash balance plan. The course compares the options side by side so dentists can choose with their advisor.
How much can a dentist contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?
The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500, with additional catch-up contributions allowed from age 50. Employer profit-sharing contributions can be added on top, up to the IRS annual additions limit.
Is a cash balance plan worth it for a dental practice?
For owners with high, steady income who want to save more than a 401(k) allows, a cash balance plan can create a large tax deduction. It also requires contributions for eligible staff and ongoing actuarial costs, which the course explains.
Can associate dentists use these strategies?
Yes. Associates can use their employer plan, a Roth IRA or backdoor Roth, and, if they are paid as independent contractors, a solo 401(k) or SEP IRA.
How long is the retirement course?
It runs from one hour to a half day and can be delivered as a keynote, workshop or study club session, in person or online.