How would you describe the corporate atmosphere in a dentist office?

In my experience there are several types of dental practices. 

One is the large dental mill: move-them-in and move-them-out practices that are just rip-off joints. I used to go to one like that. They had one wing for exams, another for cleanings. EVERYONE that walked into the door had periodontal disease...every one, and was billed for a kit to treat it. I know for a fact that the image of the bleeding gums they showed me on the overhead screen was not my mouth. I got up and left.

The other is a small practice. I went to a practice with a single dentist. I mentioned my dissatisfaction with the other place and he called in an assistant to hear what I had to say. She used to work at the other practice and said everything I thought was true and that is why she left.

Fast forward several years. By that time my dentist had replaced all my amalgam fillings and capped two teeth and is now on the verge of retiring. He won't say he is, but in truth he has already sold his practice to a husband and wife Indian team of dentists.  My wife went recently and was very unhappy with the work, so we'll be finding another dentist.

My point is large or small they all have their own politics. The larger the firm the more politics as there are always people looking to climb up the ladder on someone else's back.  A small practice might be more stress if the workload is high, but the rewards can be greater if you develop a faithful clientele.