Dear Reader,

Five years out of dental school, he was supposed to be thriving. He had the skills, the passion, and the drive to build something of his own. So he took the leap—he opened his own practice.

And then the reality hit.

The student loan payments didn’t go away. The business loans he had taken out for equipment, office space, and marketing had him drowning in monthly payments. Payroll, insurance claims, lease agreements, staffing issues, patient acquisition—all of it was suddenly his responsibility.

Dear Reader,

I have a story for you today about two dentists. Dr. Mark and Dr. Vanessa had built something special. Their practice wasn’t just another dental office—it was a pillar in the community, a place where families had been coming for generations. Parents brought their children in for their first checkups, and those same children grew up to bring in their own kids. Their practice wasn’t just about fixing teeth—it was about relationships, trust, and a commitment to personalized care.

For years, the two had been perfectly in sync. Mark handled much of the business side—payroll, insurance negotiations, hiring, and overhead management—while Vanessa thrived in the clinical setting, focusing on patient care and staying ahead of advancements in dentistry. Together, they had created a flourishing, respected practice. But after years in business together, they found themselves facing a major fork in the road.

Dear Reader,

He had spent twenty years building his practice from the ground up. At first, he loved it—the excitement of growing something of his own, the joy of seeing patients smile with newfound confidence, and the satisfaction of knowing he was making a real difference. But somewhere along the way, the dream became a never-ending grind.

The 16-hour days were relentless. The work never seemed to end. Payroll, insurance headaches, marketing decisions, staff turnover, tax filings, equipment maintenance, and—why on earth was he personally picking out new bathroom fixtures for the office? This wasn’t what he signed up for.

Dear Reader,

There’s a massive shift happening in dentistry, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.

DSOs are not a trend—they’re a takeover. Private practices used to be the backbone of dentistry, but the rise of corporate-owned dental chains is changing everything. And whether that’s a golden opportunity or a death sentence for your practice depends on what you do next.

Dear Reader,

Right now, 18-20% of dental practices are affiliated with a Dental Service Organization (DSO).

By 2025, projections suggest that number could explode to 50-65%. That’s not a minor shift—it’s a full-blown industry takeover.

So what does this mean for you? That depends. If you’re a private practice owner, this trend could spell big trouble—or a massive opportunity. The question is: Are you prepared?

If You Want to Compete With a DSO, Here’s What You Must Do

Let’s be honest—competing with DSOs isn’t about offering the lowest price or matching their corporate discounts. If you try, you’ll lose. They have deeper pockets, economies of scale, and a relentless ability to outspend independent practices.

Dear Reader,

Dr. Emily had spent 18 years building her dental practice. She wasn’t just another dentist in town—she was the dentist. The one who knew her patients by name, who had watched kids grow from their first checkup to their first job interview.

But everything changed when the big-box DSO rolled into town. They brought slick marketing, cut-rate pricing, and an army of corporate dentists. Suddenly, patients who had been with her for years were leaving for “special promotions” and “zero-interest financing” deals. The numbers weren’t adding up like they used to. Overhead was creeping higher, new patients were harder to come by, and she felt the growing pressure of a changing industry.

Dear Reader,

You’ve just heard the news: One of your local competitors sold their practice to a DSO. Maybe you’re feeling a mix of emotions—curiosity, uncertainty, maybe even a twinge of anxiety.

But what does this really mean for you and your practice?

When a DSO moves into your market, it changes the game. They bring deep pockets, sophisticated marketing strategies, and resources that independent practices often struggle to match. If you’re not prepared, this shift can leave you fighting to keep up—or worse, falling behind.

Dear Reader,

Imagine this: A DSO is reviewing your practice. They’re impressed by your numbers, your patient flow, and your facility. But then they dig into your online reviews.

Now the question is: Do your reviews tell a story of excellence, trust, and loyalty? Or are they filled with red flags that could cost you tens—if not hundreds—of thousands of dollars in your final valuation?

Here’s a truth that few dentists know: Your online reputation can make or break your practice’s value in the eyes of a DSO.

Dear Reader,

When DSOs evaluate your practice, they’re not just looking at your production numbers, patient flow, or location. They’re looking at something that can make or break your valuation: your technology.

Today’s DSOs aren’t just acquiring practices—they’re investing in the future of dentistry. And a practice with outdated systems or old-school tools sends one loud message: More work. More expense. More risk.

But a practice that’s modern, efficient, and equipped with cutting-edge technology? That’s a different story. That’s a practice worth paying top dollar for.

Dear Reader,

You’ve spent years honing your craft as a specialist—whether it’s straightening smiles, saving teeth, or performing procedures most general dentists shy away from. Your expertise sets you apart, and your practice is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of your skill, dedication, and passion.

But here’s the question you may not have asked yourself yet: Are you truly getting everything you deserve for the value you bring to the table?

If you’re not considering what a partnership with a DSO could mean for your future, you might be leaving money—and opportunity—on the table.