Self-Employed · Retirement
Solo 401(k) for Dentists — 2026 Calculator
Self-employed dentists and dental practice owners can maximize retirement savings with a Solo 401(k). With typical net income of $150,000–$350,000, a Solo 401(k) paired with a cash balance plan is a powerful tax strategy.
2026 max contribution
$70,000
Typical income range
$150,000–$400,000
Catch-up (age 50+)
+$7,500
Deadline to open
Dec 31, 2026
Your 2026 retirement plan
Fill in your situation and click Calculate →
Solo 401(k) for Dentists: What You Need to Know
Business structure
Dental practices typically operate as professional corporations, LLCs, or S-Corps. The Solo 401(k) applies to solo practice owners with no full-time W-2 employees other than a spouse.
Income pattern & timing
Dental income is relatively stable with seasonal peaks. Consider front-loading contributions in Q1 to maximize investment time within the calendar year.
Key strategy
Dentists with hygienists, assistants, or front-desk staff on W-2 payroll do NOT qualify for a Solo 401(k) — the IRS restricts it to businesses with no full-time employees. A SEP-IRA or traditional 401(k) with employee match becomes the right vehicle at that stage.
Solo 401(k) vs. SEP-IRA for dentists
A Solo 401(k) allows both an employee deferral (up to $23,500 in 2026) and an employer contribution (up to 25% of net compensation), for a combined maximum of $70,000. A SEP-IRA only allows employer contributions — no employee deferral. This means self-employed dentists earning under approximately $120,000 in net income can typically contribute more to a Solo 401(k) than a SEP-IRA.
How to open a Solo 401(k) as a dentist
- Get an EIN (free at IRS.gov, takes 5 minutes online). You need this even as a sole proprietor.
- Choose a provider. Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard offer free Solo 401(k) plans. Fidelity supports both traditional and Roth contributions with no fees.
- Open the account before December 31 of the tax year you want contributions to count.
- Fund the account by your tax filing deadline — April 15, or October 15 if you file an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dentists open a Solo 401(k)?
Yes. Self-employed dentists with Schedule C or 1099 income qualify for a Solo 401(k) as long as they have no full-time W-2 employees other than a spouse. The 2026 contribution limit is $70,000 ($77,500 with catch-up for those 50+).
I'm a dental associate (not a practice owner) — do I qualify?
It depends on your employment classification. If the dental group pays you via 1099-NEC, you have self-employment income and qualify for a Solo 401(k). If you receive a W-2, you do not qualify for a Solo 401(k) for that income (though you can participate in their employer plan).
What happens to my Solo 401(k) when I hire my first W-2 employee?
You must stop new contributions and transition to a plan that covers employees — typically a SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or full 401(k). Existing Solo 401(k) balances roll over to the new plan or an IRA. Plan ahead: the transition requires setup time to avoid compliance gaps.
Can my dental practice set up a cash balance plan instead of a Solo 401(k)?
A cash balance plan is a defined benefit plan — separate from and combinable with a Solo 401(k). Dentists earning $250,000+ often use both: the Solo 401(k) for the flexible $70,000 annual limit, and a cash balance plan for additional deferral of $100,000–$200,000 annually based on age.
Other Solo 401(k) guides
Free newsletter
Weekly insights for freelancers & self-employed
IRS updates, strategy breakdowns, and new tools — straight to your inbox. Free, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ~1 email/week.