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.
But here’s what they don’t have: YOU.
If you want to stand your ground, you need to do three things:
- Deliver an Unmatched Patient Experience
DSOs thrive on volume—which means they sacrifice personalized care. Patients who leave DSOs almost always complain about feeling like just another number. Your advantage? Relationships. Double down on patient connection, personalized care, and quality service. Make sure that when someone visits your practice, they never want to go anywhere else.
- Build a Strong Brand That Stands for Something
Most independent dentists have zero branding strategy. DSOs, on the other hand, are marketing machines. If you want to stand out, you need to define exactly who you are, what makes your practice unique, and why patients should choose YOU over a big-box corporate dental chain.
- Optimize and Automate Like a Pro
You can’t afford to be buried in paperwork, payroll, and marketing confusion. The more time you spend on admin, the less time you spend seeing patients and making money. If you want to compete, you must streamline your operations. Technology, automation, and efficient systems will be the difference between success and exhaustion.
If You’re Considering Partnering With a DSO, Here’s What You Need to Know
Selling to a DSO can be an incredible financial win—but only if you do it right. DSOs aren’t in the business of charity. They want your practice, your patients, and your revenue—at the lowest possible price.
Here’s how to ensure you walk away with the deal you deserve:
- Know Your Worth
Most dentists who sell to a DSO leave money on the table simply because they don’t know what their practice is truly worth. The right DSO deal should maximize your valuation, protect your interests, and keep you in control of the aspects of the practice you care about most.
- Negotiate Like Your Future Depends on It—Because It Does
DSOs will often present a “standard” offer. There’s no such thing as a “standard” offer that’s actually in your favor. Everything is negotiable. From your compensation to the length of your contract to the degree of control you keep—you need to have a real strategy before you sign anything.
- Get Expert Guidance Before Making a Move
The biggest mistake dentists make? Going it alone. DSOs have teams of lawyers and financial analysts working for them—you should too. Before you sign any deal, you need an expert who can ensure you’re getting the best possible outcome.
The Bottom Line: You Need a Strategy—Now
DSOs aren’t going away. They’re changing the game, and you either adapt or get left behind. Whether you want to compete successfully or cash out for maximum profit, Everything DSO is here to make sure you win.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today, and let’s craft your plan for success.
Your Team at Everything DSO