Here are seven dental industry updates taking place in Tennessee that Becker's has reported on since July 2: 

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Imagen Dental Partners recently added partner practices in California, Oregon and Ohio. 

Chicago-based The Aspen Group is celebrating the one-year anniversary of The Aspen Group University, the company's learning and development programs.

Chicago-based Aspen Dental recently opened an office in Lewisville, Texas, Community Impact reported Aug. 22.

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental partnered with a dental practice in Florida to continue expanding its network.

Many executives agree that DSOs will need to focus on building strong teams, being strategic with growth and investing in new services in order to finish the year successfully. 

Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management added five surgeons to its practices in August. 

Several specialty-focused DSOs and MSOs have made a name for themselves in recent years by launching alternative affiliation options for providers and creating expansive networks across the U.S.

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental announced its first practice openings in Alabama.

Heartland Dental and PDS Health have positioned themselves to finish 2024 on a high note through technological advancements, organic and inorganic growth and improvements in patient care. 

Chicago-based Aspen Dental is planning to open a practice location in Carson City, Nev., at the site of a former restaurant, according to an Aug. 18 report by Nevada Appeal.

The DSO landscape has boomed the last couple of years and with so many new players now in the market, it is crucial for businesses to stay flexible and adapt to this new landscape. As acquisitions eventually begin to slow down, business leaders may start looking internally to see where they can improve on processes that could otherwise impact further growth opportunities. Streamlining those operations is necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the face of an expanding market.

Here are five DSOs that have recently expanded their networks into new states:

Atlanta-based Benevis has added 37 new dental school graduates to its practices in 2024.

West Coast Dental Administrative Services and its founders and former owners recently paid $6.3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act. 

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Imagen Dental Partners recently added partner practices in California, Wisconsin and Arizona. 

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental is celebrating its notable growth during the first half of 2024. 

According to data from the DSO DataCONNECT database, as of August 1, 2024, Texas, California, and Florida lead the nation in the number of DSOs operating within Small/Emerging and Mid-Market groups. Interestingly, California falls to seventh place in the Elite category.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Vitana Pediatric & Orthodontic Partners affiliated with a multi-location pediatric dental group in Florida.

Henderson, Nev.-based PDS Health added six dental practices to its network during July.