The recession is going to be a very difficult period for everyone but most especially dentists. No matter how small one’s practice is, it is expected that dentists will be hit during these tough economic times. There is a lot to learn about recessions with history’s point of view in mind. When Japan went through a recession, their spending habits were dramatically changed. They consumed and bought less as compared to before their economy endured a recession. According to most economists, the recession which we are experiencing right now is predicted to last for five to six years. In that span of time, American’s spending habits will be dramatically changed. However, how will this change in spending patterns affect dentists and their practice?