The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and business models emerging all the time. One major shift in recent years has been the growth of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) in the United States.
Many DSOs are focused on streamlining operations and reducing costs, which can help practices stay competitive and offer high-quality care. As the dental industry continues to change and adapt to new trends, the role of DSOs is likely to remain an important topic of discussion.
What’s driving the growth of the top DSOs in the U.S.?
Many factors face smaller practices and dental offices as to why they would consider making the transition to the DSO model like:
- Uncertainties surrounding dentistry and the overall healthcare industry
- Stress associated with cultural challenges and practice management
- Increasing overhead the financial liabilities of starting or purchasing a dental practice
- Approaching retirement or forced career change
- DSO trends in the industry that continue to point to increased growth for those a part of these organizations
These remain among the core drivers for DSO growth.
Who are the top DSOs in the U.S.?
Heartland Dental
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: over 950 in 37 states (according to the company website)
- More than 50 practices have been added (since April 2019 data)
Aspen Dental/Aspen Dental Management
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: approximately 780 in 42 states (according to October 10, 2019 press release)
- First/new practices in California (early 2019)
Pacific Dental Services
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: over 740 in 20 states (according to October 1, 2019 press release)
- More than 40 practices were added (since last available report)
Smile Brands
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: more than 400 in 17 states (according to a company press release)
- Based in Irvine, CA their brands include: Bright Now Dental, Castle Dental, Monarch Dental
Affordable Care
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: 336 in 40 states (according to company website)
- Brands include: Affordable Dentures & Implants, DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions
- Recent expansion has included the states of Colorado and Washington
Western Dental
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: 322 in five states (according to October 2, 2019 press release)
- Brands include: Western Dental & Orthodontics, Brident Dental & Orthodontics
- The company moved one spot in DSO rankings from sixth to fifth (per the previous DrBicuspid publication)
Dental Care Alliance
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: more than 300 in 20 states (according to company website)
- Multiple brands including: Advanced Dental Care, College Park Dental, Gentle Dental
- 13 practices were added in 2019
Great Expressions Dental Centers
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: 300 in 10 states
InterDent
- Supported/affiliated dental practices/offices: approximately 200 in eight states
- Brands include: Gentle Dental, Dedicated Dental, Capitol Dental, Smile Keepers, and Blue Oak
- The company added a practice in Oregon in May 2019
42 North Dental
- Supports 58 dental practices and 15 brands in four New England states
- Formerly known as Gental Dental Partners until 2018
Allied Dental
- Provides support/affiliation to general dentists and dental specialists
- Offers quarterly C.E. (Continuing Education) via its Allied University on topics that include tools, treatment protocols, scientific research, and business practices
ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
- Founded in 2005 and to date has treated over 50,000 patients
- Support 51 dental implant centers throughout the U.S.
Cordental Group
- Backed by a private equity group
- Supports practices within the Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, and Southeastern regions of the U.S.
- Acquired two private practices in St. Louis and supports five dental practices in the St. Louis area
DecisionOne Dental Partners
- Founded in 2011
- Smile Brands invested in supporting growth and future affiliations in the Chicago area
- Experienced growth from two to 27 practices
- Ranked by The Chicago Tribune as the “No. 1 Top Workplace in Illinois for mid-sized businesses in the dental industry.”
Dental Associates
- A nationally accredited dental organization through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- An “A+ rating” with the Better Business Bureau and recognized by Press Ganey for its patient satisfaction scores
- Supports 14 practices throughout Wisconsin with over 800 employees
Dental365
- Supports 35 affiliated practices throughout the New York City metro area
- Financial backing via White Oak Healthcare Finance is enabling rapid expanse
- Recognized as the official dental partner of the New York Yankees providing preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgical procedures to team members
Great Expressions Dental Centers
- Acquired by Roark (private equity firm) in 2016
- Currently affiliated with over 300 dental practices, 500 dentists, and 450 dental hygienists
- Awarded by the Summit Compliance Award from Mesa Labs for “its organization-wide commitment to infection control”
Rock Dental Brands
- Founded in 2016 by two dentists
- Acquired Apex Dental (a Little Rock, Arkansas dental group with six practices) in 2018
- Manages 74 dental clinics throughout Arkansas, Missouri, and West Virginia
Signature Dental Partners
- Affiliated with over 25 practices across Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington
- Provides new employee recruitment services via their online career portal that features dental job postings
Southern Dental Alliance
- Supports over 30 practices in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina
- Operates under five brands: Carolina Dental Alliance, Children’s Dental Center, South Carolina Orthodontics Group, Vital Smiles Georgia, and Zoo Crew Pediatric Dentistry
- Purchased in 2017 by Pouschine Cook Capital (New York-based private equity investment firm)
United Dental Partners
- Formed via a 2014 four practice merger between a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist
- Supports 28 “de novo” and affiliated practices throughout Illinois and Indiana
- Supported brands include: Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Westgate Implant and Oral Surgery Center, and Chicago Dental Professionals
Additionally, beyond the list the Dr. Bicuspid developed, here are some growing DSO to keep on your radar. Beckers Dental + DSO Review lists additional top DSOs and DSO trends in the U.S. to keep an eye on.
Lane & Associates
- Provides family dentistry in 30+ locations throughout North Carolina – including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and surrounding areas
Mid-Atlantic Dental Partners
- Since launching in March of 2016, Mid-Atlantic Dental Partners has performed significantly ahead of its original business plans
- Support more than 240 affiliate offices operating throughout 18 states
Lone Peak Dental Group
- Over 50 dental practices/offices and dental brands in Washington, Idaho, Colorado
How DSOs can manage their growth and improve their patient care systems
Cloud-based systems help DSOs securely and seamlessly manage their patient care across their entire organization – regardless of size.
- Cost-effective technology and data management
- Easy implementation for routine team and dental practice functions
- Secure updates and scalable usage for organizational growth
Leading DSOs in the U.S. are turning to cloud-based dental practice management systems like Denticon to meet their growing network requirements. In fact, nearly half of the top 25 DSOs and some of the largest DSOs in the country now use Denticon to streamline their systems and operational tasks.
Planet DDS’s Denticon is the proven cloud-based Dental Practice Management Software in today’s market for solo private practices, private group practices, and top DSOs alike. If you want to join the ranks of successful DSOs, contact us today to learn more about how Denticon can revolutionize your business.