DSO Industry
Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) contract with dental practices to provide critical business management and support including non-clinical operations.
Dental Support Organizations
Enables dentists to focus on the patient while delivering excellent dental care.
What is a DSO?
Dental practices contract with DSOs to provide critical business management and support including non-clinical operations. The creation of DSOs have allowed dentists to maximize their practice with the support of professional office management. The DSO model enables dentists to focus on the patient while delivering excellent dental care.
Dental Support Services for Dentists
Centralized practice support
DSOs provide an array of non-clinical services to dentists, making it easier for them to run their dental practice. These services include facility maintenance, supply procurement, human resources, compliance, accounting and marketing services.
Advanced technology
Thanks to purchasing leverage, available capital and continuous R&D, DSOs enable dentists to utilize state-of-the-art tools and products, such as digital X-rays, electronic health records and CAD/CAM systems.
Professional education & training
Many DSOs offer robust continuing education provided by experienced professional dental mentors so dentists can stay abreast of new protocols, equipment, practice management tools and techniques.
Economies of scale
Greater buying power and the ability to negotiate with vendors helps DSOs lower dentists’ supply costs. DSOs also help provide access to the capital dentists need for the most modern equipment, and to help support their practices.
The Benefits for Patients
More face time with the dentist
By helping to reduce the time that dentists have to devote to the administrative aspects of running their practices, DSOs enable dental professionals to devote more of their time to patient care.
More flexible scheduling
DSO-supported dental practices are able to offer longer office hours and more appointments, including nights and weekends, to accommodate patients’ work and life schedules.
Access to state-of-the-art care
DSO-supported dentists have access to advanced technologies, such as digital X-ray systems and same-day restorations—all of which add up to high quality care and a better overall consumer experience.
Affordable care
The purchasing power of DSOs enables dentists to accept more types of insurance plans and provide high quality services that patients value and can afford.
DSO Values & Commitment to Excellence
The values of the Association of Dental Support Organization (ADSO) reflect the standards set by our members. Membership in the ADSO requires adherence to a comprehensive Code of Ethics. Members demonstrate professionalism, share best practices and apply the Code of Ethics in everyday activities.
The ADSO is committed to excellence.We operate with transparency and integrity through significant investments in communities where member-supported dentists practice. Community involvement, innovative services and the highest standards for proven methods are the shared hallmarks of our industry.
The ADSO serves a dynamic and growing industry. Our member companies operate around the world and support thousands of dentists who provide the highest quality of care.
DSOs Provide Critical Business Support
Dispelling DSO Myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Corporate ownership of a practice | By law dentists must own and operate their practices, DSOs provide non-clinical business support |
| High doctor turnover | Many DSOs have low single-digit programs, strong mentoring opportunities |
| Low clinical quality | Many DSOs facilitate top flight CE programs, strong mentoring opportunities |
| Doctors don’t stay long-term | Many DSO-supported dentist are now making DSO affiliations their career of choice |
| Career advancement concerns | Many DSO-supported dentists earn more, have more mobility and have a better work-life balance than private practitioners |