Throughout recent years, dental support organizations, or DSOs have been expanding among general dental practices nationwide. Now, their market continues to grow into specialty practices as well. Below provides a breakdown of the current status of the perio/DSO relationship.
What is a DSO?
Dental support organizations (DSOs) essentially handle the administrative or "business-side" of running a practice, with a typical DSO consisting of anywhere between 20-40 practices. DSOs deal with nonclinical support needs and have typically been focused on general dentistry.
However, increasing numbers of DSOs are specialty-focused and may break away from the previous profit-focused model. New-age DSOs are highlighting different pathways to ownership and distinguishing their organizations from other DSOs. For example, one DSO designed a broad learning curriculum and provides a "College Advancement Program" for their team members. If you do not own your own practice, and are thinking about working with a DSO, do your research! Look for one that aligns with your values and goals. Many have a proven track record of success in the dental industry.
To learn more about DSO's, click here.
How is the AAP involved?
The AAP's President, Dr. David Okano, met with the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO) leadership at the ADSO Summit in Orlando in March. The purpose of this meeting was to learn and identify potential avenues for collaboration. To gain a deeper understanding of current DSO trends, Dr. Okano extended an invitation to Specialty1 and ADSO to present at the May and August Board of Trustees meetings. Ahead of these presentations, Dr. Okano shared concerns heard from AAP members regarding the DSO model - such as the perceived culture of over-treating and lower referral rates after a DSO buys a general practice in the area.
(Right to left) Gary Pickard, PDS; Cathy Haibach, ADA; Dr. David Okano, AAP; Amanda Williams, AAP
Conversation with Dr. Zulema Valdivia
To gauge an even better understanding of DSOs, we reached out to Dr. Zulema Valdivia who is part of a DSO herself. Dr. Valdivia received her first dental degree in the Dominican Republic and her second from Linda Loma Dental School, where she also completed her periodontal residency.
Q: What factors led to your decision to join a DSO?
A: After graduating from my periodontal residency, I was challenged with finding a practice opportunity in the region of Southern California. I began working at a few different local general dentist offices as a visiting periodontist but was still not content in this environment. With what I was able to offer, I felt limited, so I continued to look for other positions. It was then that I found an open position, applied, and began working with Pacific Dental Services.
Q: Do you prefer the DSO system to a private practice model? If so, why?
A: Definitely! My experience in private practice was limited but sufficient enough to realize it wasn't for me. As an associate, I was hoping to grow a practice, attract new referrals, and find a quality mentorship but I couldn't find a position offering any or all of these assets. I prefer the DSO system to a private practice model because of the opportunities I was provided in this company. I am very fortunate to work with a company that continues to keep their doors open and offer great opportunities for ambitious practitioners.
Q: What are the benefits and downsides of being part of a DSO?
A: First and foremost, being an independent contractor allows you to learn so much about opening and managing a business; this is not something you learn about in any dental school. In this DSO model, I am also working in an office that allows for direct communication with the general dentists. This is a great advantage because those same dentists provide the majority of the referrals. One of the few downsides of being part of a DSO is the concept of basically being a "traveling periodontist." Sometimes it is challenging to travel to a different office daily, and the offices are often located very far. With my experience, however, I've learned to utilize that time productively. For example, I will use it for personal conversations or business calls I need to have but can't make during work hours. Other times, these drives will provide some quiet, mental health time.
Ultimately, each dental professional must decide for themselves what is best for their practice, but we hope this helps encapsulate a better understanding of DSOs and the perio/DSO relationship.