[simfree]

Handle billable work, ideally making a profit. There are quite a few new dentists graduating every year, $500k could buy an office in a decent location, plus another $100k to $300k to build out the space and gain momentum.

Figure 2 to 4 receptionists, 3 or 4 dental hygienists, the doctor themselves, OP, and whoever else they hire, and you can likely hit 10 employees.

[rdtwo]

Yep this. There are like 6 hygienists or more per dentist.