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.