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, “what is a DSO in dental?”
It’s a common question these days. The answers (and opinions) will most likely shift your perspective one way or another.
What’s important to the discussion is getting clear on the facts. Then you can determine whether you fit the demographic.
What are DSOs?
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).
The American dental landscape is being transformed by their footprint. Basically, imagine expanded dental care options across a number of group practices.
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.
Here’s a simple answer for the question, “what is a DSO in dental?”
How are DSOs Impacting the Dental Industry?
If you’re a dental professional you’re aware that the practice of dentistry involves more than patient treatment. There’s the ever-present business of dentistry that demands a significant amount of time and energy.
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.
DSOs contract with dental practices. And their large scale support network gives you access to quality services such as…
- New and emerging dental technology
- Insurance reimbursement support
- Reducing the professional overhead burden for new dentists
- Incentives for joining and the elimination of dental education debt
- Skill training and collaboration with colleagues
More about those specific benefits in a moment. But first let’s explore the scope of DSOs across dentistry.
How Many Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) Are There?
Comparisons across the dental industry would include existing solo practices and group practices. Trends indicate that overall, US dental practices are catching on to the DSO model.
The exact number of DSOs is difficult to calculate. But the top DSOs in the U.S. represent nearly 4,000 locations.
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.
What Are the Growing Trends of DSOs?
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.
If you’re a private practice dentist you might be initially drawn to the DSO’s 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.
Being financially secure, debt-free, and off-loading the tasks associated with the business of dentistry are dominant trends with DSOs.
What’s Drawing Dental Practices to DSOs?
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….