The Future of Your Practice Can You Survive the Corporate Takeover of Dentistry?

Dear Reader,

The dental industry is at a crossroads. For decades, the independent solo practice has been the backbone of the profession—dentists running their own show, making their own decisions, and building personal relationships with patients that last generations. But today, the landscape is shifting fast. The rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and corporate dentistry is changing the rules, and if you’re a solo practitioner, you’re probably wondering: Can I survive this? Or is it time to consider joining forces with a DSO?

The Rise of Corporate Dentistry: A Double-Edged Sword

Corporate dentistry is here, and it’s not going away. Backed by private equity and driven by economies of scale, DSOs buy up practices, integrate them into larger networks, and leverage their resources to dominate the market. They offer advanced technology, robust marketing, and streamlined operations that solo practices struggle to match. But while DSOs bring undeniable benefits, they also pose a threat to the traditional way of doing business.

The Pros and Cons of Solo vs. Corporate-Owned Practices

To understand the future of your practice, let’s weigh the pros and cons of staying solo versus joining a DSO.

The Solo Practice: Independence with Challenges

Being a solo practitioner means being in control. You set the tone, choose your staff, and make decisions that reflect your values. It’s your name on the door, your reputation on the line, and your legacy that you’re building. But with that independence comes significant challenges.

Pros:

• You’re the boss. Every decision, from patient care to hiring, is yours to make. You get to maintain your vision and practice the way you believe is best.
• Patients often prefer the personalized care and familiarity of a solo practice. They know their dentist and their dentist knows them—a level of trust that’s hard to replicate in a corporate setting.

Cons:

• Solo practitioners bear the full brunt of operational costs—rent, salaries, equipment, supplies, and more. It’s a constant balancing act, and one wrong move can put your financial stability at risk.
• Competing against DSOs means keeping up with technology, marketing, and patient expectations. But upgrading your equipment, training staff, or launching an advertising campaign requires resources that many solo practices simply don’t have.
• As a solo owner, you wear all the hats—dentist, business manager, HR, and more. This can lead to burnout, leaving you drained and less focused on what you do best: providing excellent care.

Corporate-Owned Practices: Resources with Restrictions

DSOs offer a different model—one that emphasizes efficiency, scale, and access to resources that solo practices can’t match. But with these benefits come trade-offs that every dentist needs to consider.

Pros:

• DSOs can invest heavily in state-of-the-art technology, marketing strategies, and patient management systems. You get to use the best tools available without worrying about the cost.
  
  
• DSOs handle the business side of things—billing, HR, compliance, and more—freeing you up to focus on patient care. No more juggling the clinical with the managerial.
  
  
• With a DSO, you can maintain a career in dentistry without the stress of owning and managing a business. This can mean more time for yourself, your family, and your passions.

Cons:

• When you join a DSO, you give up a level of control. Corporate protocols may influence clinical decisions, and you might find yourself constrained by policies that prioritize efficiency over individualized care.
  
  
• Patients may feel like they’re just another number in a corporate system, potentially eroding the personal relationships that solo practitioners cherish.

The Big Question: Can Solo Practices Survive?

So, will solo practices survive? The answer isn’t black and white. The market is undeniably shifting toward corporate dentistry, but that doesn’t mean solo practices can’t thrive. However, it does mean adapting to the new landscape.

How Solo Practitioners Can Remain Competitive:

1. Invest in technology that improves patient experience—digital scheduling, advanced diagnostics, and patient communication tools. You may not have the budget of a DSO, but smart investments can go a long way.
2. Focus on what DSOs can’t offer—personalized care and niche services that set you apart. Patients value relationships, so double down on providing an experience that no corporate office can match.
3. Tighten up your practice’s efficiency. Use software to automate administrative tasks, reduce costs, and optimize your workflow. The more efficient your operations, the more you can compete on quality and price.
4. Market yourself as the local expert who truly cares. Highlight your independence, your commitment to the community, and your personalized touch. Patients need to see the value in choosing you over a corporate alternative.

Or Is It Time to Consider Joining a DSO?

If the challenges feel overwhelming, it might be time to explore the option of joining a DSO. This doesn’t mean giving up—it means leveraging the resources of a larger organization to continue doing what you love without the burdens of ownership.

The Future You Deserve

Imagine having the freedom to focus entirely on patient care without the constant stress of running a business. Picture a future where your financial security is guaranteed, your workload is manageable, and you have the resources you need to excel. That future is possible—whether you choose to remain independent or join forces with a DSO.

At Everything DSO, we’re here to help you with these tough decisions. Whether you’re determined to remain independent or curious about what a DSO partnership could mean for you, we can help.

Contact us today. We’ll discuss your options and make sure you get the support you need to make the right decision for you and your practice.

We look forward to working with you and helping in every way we can.

Sincerely,

Your Team at Everything DSO