{"id":2633,"date":"2020-02-06T15:15:44","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T22:15:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/what-is-dso-dental-and-do-you-fit-the-demographic\/"},"modified":"2024-11-15T11:35:41","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T19:35:41","slug":"what-is-dso-dental-and-do-you-fit-the-demographic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/what-is-dso-dental-and-do-you-fit-the-demographic\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a DSO in Dental? (And Do You Fit the Demographic?)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">The right question at the right time can unlock opportunity. For example, like many dentists burdened by the business side of dentistry you might be tempted to ask, \u201cwhat is a DSO in dental?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s a common question these days. The answers (and opinions) will most likely shift your perspective one way or another. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">What\u2019s important to the discussion is getting clear on the facts. Then you can determine whether you fit the demographic. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>What are DSOs?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Perspectives around exactly what is a DSO company are packaged within the abbreviation. The DSO model represents a more corporate function known as dental service organizations (DSO).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">The American dental landscape is being transformed by their footprint. Basically, imagine expanded dental care options across a number of group practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">The DSO affiliated dentist and his or her team create or join a dental group. With strong corporate support the dentist and team focus on dentistry while handing-off the business functions to the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Here\u2019s a simple answer for the question, \u201cwhat is a DSO in dental?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"BlockQuote\" style=\"break-after: avoid; margin: 5.65pt 42.5pt 14.15pt; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clicktotweet.com\/4P11s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TWEET THIS: &#8220;DSOs essentially help dentists separate the clinical from the clerical.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">How are DSOs Impacting the Dental Industry?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re a dental professional you\u2019re aware that the practice of dentistry involves more than patient treatment. There\u2019s the ever-present business of dentistry that demands a significant amount of time and energy.<\/p>\n<p>Dental support organizations provide welcome business and management support. Their supportive culture allows you to stay in a practice leadership role without sacrificing your care standards.<\/p>\n<p>DSOs contract with dental practices. And their large scale support network gives you access to quality services such as\u2026<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size: 15px;\">\n<li>New and emerging dental technology<\/li>\n<li>Insurance reimbursement support<\/li>\n<li>Reducing the professional overhead burden for new dentists<\/li>\n<li>Incentives for joining and the elimination of dental education debt<\/li>\n<li>Skill training and collaboration with colleagues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More about those specific benefits in a moment. But first let\u2019s explore the scope of DSOs across dentistry.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">How Many Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) Are There?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Comparisons across the dental industry would include existing solo practices and group practices. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/dental-industry-trends\/\">Trends<\/a> indicate that overall, US dental practices are catching on to the DSO model. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">The exact number of DSOs is difficult to calculate. But the <\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"Hyperlink2\">top DSOs<\/span><span class=\"None\"> in the U.S. represent nearly 4,000 locations. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Affiliation data is proof that the DSO model works for some but not for everyone. While you might want to join the trend of dentists desiring a more part-time business role in exchange for more full-time patient care it makes sense to understand the appeal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">What Are the Growing Trends of DSOs?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">The American dental industry provides your dental practice a variety of business models. Many of those models require a high investment of not only time and training but financing as well. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">If you\u2019re a private practice dentist you might be initially drawn to the DSO\u2019s secure (low-risk) financial backing typical of private equity firms. Independent practices and group practices throughout the United States have improved their financial future through affiliation with a DSO. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Being financially secure, debt-free, and off-loading the tasks associated with the business of dentistry are dominant trends with DSOs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">What\u2019s Drawing Dental Practices to DSOs?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Your desire to focus on patients can be disrupted by many tasks including non-clinical operations and challenges associated with human resources. Allowing you, as a dentist, to focus on dental care is a huge\u00a0 draw among others to the DSO model. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"Hyperlink2\">A fundam<\/span><span class=\"Hyperlink2\">ental of DSO<\/span><span class=\"Hyperlink2\">s<\/span><span class=\"None\"> is that independent practices affiliated with them can care for their patients without being overwhelmed by the business of dentistry. This alone might attract you to consider affiliation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">As you\u2019re processing the trends and your own personal attraction to the DSO model it might help to consider the common advantages along with a disadvantage or two.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Weighing the Pros and Cons of DSOs<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Here a few advantages to think about.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Technology advances<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Dental technology is advancing as we speak. But the financial and implementation challenges can be daunting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs provide the research, cost negotiation and the necessary implementation, training, and ongoing tech support required by emerging technologies.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Compliance monitoring and assistance<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dental industry regulations are a routine concern. HIPAA and OSHA violations can put your practice at risk.<\/p>\n<p>DSOs monitor compliance trends including patient communication and the new regulatory laws impacting dentistry. Their assistance can save you time and provide the security of knowing you\u2019re compliant.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Career growth and peer collaboration<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Keeping your skills and leadership sharp requires time. And problems can arise that exceed your level of expertise. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs have a built-in community of peer support, training, and problem solving collaboration that you might not have as an independent dentist. Their specialist relationships provide you hands-on access for professional growth and expanded services.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Insurance assistance<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Policy changes and issues with claims acceptance and reimbursements are headaches that require time and energy. Production can suffer when your front desk team is forced to daily solve a variety of insurance problems.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs have the ability to negotiate better rates with a broader network of insurance providers. Their insurance divisions are equipped to assist you with answering most of the questions your patients have about claim filing and reimbursement. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Healthy work-life balance<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Work overwhelm is a leading cause of stress outside of the office. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can feel elusive when treating patients and managing a practice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs take the majority of the management tasks off your plate. That gives you more freedom to focus on patients, maintain a life outside of the practice, and help you avoid career burnout.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">As you\u2019re thinking about those strong advantages of the DSO model it will also help to understand a couple of disadvantages.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Equity loss in your practice<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Selling your practice can be appealing. But like any sale, there are costs you should be aware of.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs are in the investment business. They desire to improve their financial portfolio with each practice purchase. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Your loss of equity is their gain. And when affiliating you transition from owner to that of a salaried contractor.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Contractural relationship<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Perhaps you started your practice out of a love for dentistry and the desire to provide dental care independently. You are free from obligation to anyone except your financial investment in running a practice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs operate on a contractural basis with their affiliated dentists. You are required to comply with their rules for patient treatment and business decisions. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">It is essential that you review all contractural obligations before you affiliate. And while doing so request side-bar conversations with current DSO members to get clarity on how a particular DSO operates according to contract.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 19.8pt 0in 19.8pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">What Does the Future of DSOs Look Like?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">It\u2019s not likely that DSOs will decrease in popularity. The changes alone within the dental industry will prompt many &#8211; perhaps you &#8211; to consider aligning your future with one.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\"><span class=\"None\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">DSOs are here for the long haul. And that drives the need for complimentary support from businesses (like Denticon and our <\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\"><a href=\"\/solutions\/denticon\/advanced-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"Hyperlink2\">Dental Practice Management Software<\/span><\/a><span class=\"None\">) that can assure your decision is equally supported with relevant resources.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\">Interested in learning how a successful DSO use&#8217;s Denticon cloud-based practice management software to power its clinical, operational, reporting, and IT infrastructure?\u00a0 Here&#8217;s an inside look at how Denticon was the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/client-stories\/denticon-case-study-progressive-dental-management\/\">key to growth<\/a> for this DSO.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Body\" style=\"margin: 2.8pt 0in 14.15pt 0in;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The right question at the right time can unlock opportunity. For example, like many dentists burdened by the business side of dentistry you might be tempted to ask, \u201cwhat is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4524,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146,1416],"tags":[157,158,159,160,161,162,163,66,129,13,43,166,167,168,169,170,171,172,132,173,74,154,174],"class_list":["post-2633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practice-management","category-growth","tag-affiliated","tag-business","tag-career-grow","tag-clerical","tag-clinical","tag-collaboration","tag-demographic","tag-dental","tag-dental-service-organizations","tag-dentistry","tag-dso","tag-equity-loss","tag-group","tag-growing","tag-growth","tag-insurance","tag-join","tag-model","tag-operations","tag-professional-development","tag-support","tag-trends","tag-work-life-balance"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2633"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2633\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4524"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}