The DSO field has had an active year so far, with many companies investing in several key areas to fuel growth and enhance patient care.

Dallas-based Smile Doctors, the largest orthodontics-focused DSO in the U.S., has added four affiliates and 15 locations in 2024.

Schaumburg, Ill.-based DecisionOne Dental Partners, a DSO operating more than 35 locations, has selected VideaHealth as its dental AI partner.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Southern Orthodontics Partners affiliated with a practice in Manhattan, Kan.

Dallas-based MB2 Dental released a recap on its business results and performance through the first half of 2024.

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental recently added a Florida dental practice to its network. 

Sarasota, Fla.-based Dental Care Alliance partnered with dental artificial intelligence company Overjet to implement AI technology across its network of practices.

Providence Dental Partners recently added a Georgia dental practice to its network.

Great Neck, N.Y.-based The Smilist recently added Hirshberg Wozny Dental Care to its network. 

Camp Hill, Pa.-based Progressive Dental Concepts named new lead dentists at three of its practices.

New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 acquired The Art of Dentistry and Spa in Somerset, N.J.

Here are seven DSOs and dental groups that have expanded their networks through practice additions, affiliations, acquisitions and partnerships in the South, as reported by Becker's since June 24:

Private equity firms have a significant impact on the DSO industry. 

Several trends and events that have taken place recently could have a positive effect on the DSO field this year.  

Dental service organization (DSO) leaders face a variety of business challenges, ranging from maximizing chair time to case acceptance, practice efficiency, procurement management and more.

Mergers and acquisitions were a huge part of the dental and DSO space in 2023, but changing economic conditions have raised uncertainty in the industry. 

Sarasota, Fla.-based Dental Care Alliance is the first large-scale DSO to launch guided biofilm therapy to its network. 

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental recently added a Florida dental practice to its network. 

Chicago-based Shore Capital Partners, a private equity firm, has founded Innovate 32, a DSO based in Nashville, Tenn.

Several new DSOs have emerged in recent years with unique operational models and growth strategies to support their networks and recruit dentists.