One common misconception about DSOs is that people seem to think they will bring corporate control over their clinical practice and decision-making…

And that this will lead to a detrimental experience for their patients.

The thought is, a DSO is only interested in their bottom line and that will interfere with the values of a private practice.

Of course, you should care and be mindful of your values and how you practice!

But I want to show you that things are different than they may appear …

First, nearly every state has statutory requirements that only a dentist can own a dental practice.

Further, all patient care decisions are the exclusive domain of licensed practitioners, dentists, and hygienists.

So the “corporate” practice of dentistry is strictly prohibited.

What happens with a DSO is you get a bifurcated ownership structure, where you (the dentist) own all the clinical assets, while they employ licensed practitioners and a management company to own all the non-clinical assets.

It’s through that management ownership that a DSO provides their business and administrative support services.

In short …

You get the business management support of a DSO (and their money) while retaining ownership and control over the clinical practice itself.

Looks like a win-win to me.