The dental industry — and therefore the DSO landscape — has experienced groundbreaking development and transformation over the last two years.
As DSOs continue to gain traction, Becker's has highlighted 63 groups that should be on leaders' radar this year.
This list is arranged in alphabetical order and is not exhaustive. Organizations included submitted nominations or have previously been highlighted by Becker's. Dental service organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list.
42 North Dental (Waltham, Mass.). Founded in 1980 under the name Gentle Dental Partners, 42 North Dental formed as a DSO in 2007. The DSO had its first out-of-state expansion in 2012 and now supports more than 108 practices across Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire and New York. The DSO has strategic partnerships with Invisalign, Women in DSO, the Second Step and the Association of Dental Support Organizations.
7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics (San Antonio). Founded as a single practice in 2012, 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics is a locally owned and operated DSO with eight practices. The DSO was named "Best Dentists in San Antonio" by Expertise in both 2020 and 2021.
Affinity Dental Management (Holyoke, Mass.). This dentist-run organization provides practice management and administrative support for practices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Founded in 1999 as a single practice, Affinity Dental Management now supports
40 offices under 13 brands.
Affordable Care (Morrisville, N.C.). Founded in 1975, Affordable Care currently supports 400 practices across 42 states. The DSO's main dental brands include Affordable Dentures & Implants and DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions. Each practice includes on-site laboratories to offer patients same-day care. The organization provides business expertise and support services, taking care of nonclinical duties so dentists can focus on patient care.
Aspen Dental (Chicago). With more than 1,030 affiliated practices, Aspen Dental supports nearly 2,000 dentists across 45 states. The organization is led by Bob Fontana, founder and CEO. In the second half of 2021, Aspen Dental partnered with Switzerland-based Straumann Group to offer dental implants and prosthetic solutions to more than 1,000 U.S. locations. Aspen Dental also launched its own line of oral rinses to provide at its dental practices. At the end of 2021, Aspen Dental Management rebranded as the Aspen Group to reflect its expansion in the healthcare industry, including dental implants, urgent care and medical aesthetics.
Beacon Dental Health (Boston). This DSO provides comprehensive support services to New England dental practices offering general treatment, dental implants and cosmetic dental procedures. The company currently supports 14 locations.
Bright Direction Dental (Chicago). This dentist-led organization affiliates with practices across 11 Midwestern states and has offices in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The network is founded upon four core values: dentist-centered, continuous improvement, clinical values and honesty.
Capitol Dental Care (Salem, Ore.). Capitol Dental Care is committed to preventing dental disease and improving the health of children and low-income patients. The organization partners with seven of Oregon's Coordinated Care Organizations to provide dental care to members of the Oregon Health Plan, the state's Medicaid program. Its network includes general dentists, specialists and hygienists. The organization's values include fast service, fair treatment and being readily available.
CollectiveCare Dental (Moorestown, N.J.). Operating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, CCD practices offer a variety of specialties, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, general dentistry and oral surgery. All decisions are guided by the organization's core beliefs, which are providing personalized patient experiences; offering a full range of treatment options; being a dental career destination; and having world-class business partners. The DSO is led by COO Scott Becker and CEO John Button.
Cordental Group (Cincinnati). This DSO supports more than 40 locations across nine states and offers management and administrative services to its partnering practices. The organization was founded by Dana Soper and Steven Jones, who continue to serve as CEO and chief development officer, respectively.
Cornerstone Group (Irvine, Calif.). Founded as a single privately-owned dental practice in 2002, Cornerstone Group consists of two mobile surgical platforms and enroot. With more than 250 locations across 13 states, the group is the largest mobile dental surgical platform in North America. Over the past three years, it has experienced 15 percent total growth, increasing its number of providers by 40 percent.
D4C Dental Brands (Atlanta). D4C Dental Brands is the largest pediatric- and orthodontics-focused DSO, supporting 50 dental practices in 11 states. The group's goal is to improve the standard of oral health for children. It is a part of the American Dental Association's Dental Quality Alliance, an initiative to develop performance measures for oral healthcare.
Dental365 (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Dental365 was founded in 2014 and has 97 affiliated locations across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The full-service dental group offers general dentistry and specialty services, including TrueTeeth full arch restorations. The DSO also provides ongoing education and tools for dentists through Dental365 University, the Dental365 Consultation Review Board and Dental365 Virtual Second Opinion. The DSO was named a top U.S. workplace by Energage in 2021.
DecisionOne Dental Partners (Schaumburg, Ill.). Founded in 2011 by brothers Mike Acierno, DDS, and AJ Acierno, DDS, this DSO supports more than 30 locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2018, it began partnering with Irvine, Calif.-based Smile Brands to provide business management resources such as accounting and marketing to its affiliated practices. Smile Brands became a strategic investor in DecisionOne Dental Partners in 2019 to help continue the DSO's growth.
Dental Associates (Milwaukee). Dental Associates was founded in 1974 and has grown to include more than 800 team members serving 17 locations in eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The DSO is owned by Thomas Manos, DDS. The DSO is currently undergoing an overhaul of its technology, including replacing its intraoral scanners and computers to provide the best care for its patients.
Dental Care Alliance (Sarasota, Fla.). Dental Care Alliance has more than 380 practices and 775 supported dentists in 21 states. The DSO was founded in 1991 and is led by CEO Jerry Rhodes. Its affiliated practices represent all dental specialties under 140 brands. In 2021, DCA opened four de novo locations and completed 18 affiliations, adding 50 offices to its network to make the year its most successful to date.
Dentures Today (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Dentures Today supports three dental practices in the Southeast region. The company uses modern technology to provide greater access to quality tooth replacement services. The DSO successfully launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve its seed funding.
Digital Denture + Implants (Los Angeles). Digital Denture + Implants was founded in 2020. It has five locations in California and Texas. The group supports dentists performing tooth replacements using its 3D-printed dentures and a digitally guided approach for dental implant placement.
Elite Dental Partners (Chicago). Elite Dental Partners was founded in 2014 with a single dental office in Creve Coeur, Ill. It now supports more than 100 facilities in 12 states, provides more than 25 services and includes more than 1,200 team members. The DSO most recently onboarded Lance Shopovick as its president and COO.
Endo1 Partners (Houston). Endo1 Partners, which supports U.S. endodontic practices, was founded in 2019 and is a subsidiary of the recently formed Specialty1 Partners. It supports more than 130 practices and 230 specialists in 22 states. The DSO was most recently recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southwest by Inc. magazine. The company raised $250 million in capital in 2021 to support its continued growth.
Foundation Dental Partners (Alpharetta, Ga.). Foundation Dental Partners supports 15 practices in Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina. The company was founded in 2019 and is backed by Keystone Capital. It is led by CEO Adam Ditto.
Great Expressions Dental Centers (Southfield, Mich.). Great Expressions Dental Centers is one of the largest DSOs in the U.S. Its network includes more than 300 practices, 500 dentists and 450 dental hygienists. The DSO is led by President and CEO Adesh Ramchandran and supported by an 11-dentist panel that provides training and education to the DSO's affiliates to maintain the highest level of care.
Guardian Dentistry Partners (Miami). Guardian Dentistry was founded in 2018 and has 85 practices in Alabama, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Since 2019, the DSO has experienced 280 percent growth in practice count and 950 percent increase in doctor partners. In September, it secured more than $100 million in debt financing from Chicago-based Twin Brook Capital Partners.
Heartland Dental (Effingham, Ill.). One of the largest DSOs in the U.S., Heartland Dental boasts more than 1,550 affiliated practices and more than 2,300 supported dentists in 38 states. The DSO added 424 practices in 2021 and plans to open 107 practices in 2022. The company is led by CEO Pat Bauer.
Higginbotham Dental Group (Jonesboro, Ark.). Higginbotham Dental Group has 10 locations throughout Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri. Its offices provide general, orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry. The DSO aims to put patients first and make them as comfortable as possible during their visit, providing them with amenities such as blankets, television and virtual reality goggles.
Hero Practice Services (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Hero Practice Services was founded in 2006 to provide dental, vision and orthodontic services to underserved children. It has 36 dental offices nationwide. In 2015, the DSO was acquired by private equity firm Silver Oak Services Partners.
Imagen Dental Partners (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Imagen Dental Partners has more than 30 practices in 10 states. The DSO was founded in March 2020 and has plans to enter four new states by the end of 2022. Its dentist partners retain clinical autonomy over their practices and become owners in the organization.
Lollipop Dental Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (Placentia, Calif.). Lollipop Dental Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has four locations and 14 dentists in California providing dental and orthodontic services to children. The DSO requires its dentists to complete a specialty program in pediatric dentistry to ensure it is providing the best care to its patients. In August 2020, the DSO made Inc.'s 5,000 fastest-growing companies list after growing 141 percent between 2016 and 2019.
MB2 Dental (Carrollton, Texas). MB2 Dental was founded in 2007 by CEO Chris Steven Villanueva, DMD. The DSO added its 400th practice in February. It supports practices in more than 30 states, with plans to expand in West Virginia and North Carolina soon. It was most recently ranked among the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. by Inc. magazine, which reported the company experienced 168 percent growth in the last two years.
Marquee Dental Partners (Brentwood, Tenn.). Marquee Dental Partners is a regional DSO supporting 65 practices throughout the Southeast. It was founded in 2015. The organization is led by CEO Fred Ward, who joined Marquee Dental Partners in 2016.
Mid-Atlantic Dental Partners (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.). Mid-Atlantic Dental Partners supports more than 230 dental practices across 18 states. It offers its practices services such as marketing, education, technology, finance and more. The DSO is led by CEO Leigh Feenburg.
Mortenson Dental Partners (Louisville, Ky.). Mortenson Dental Partners began as a single practice in 1979 and now has over 140 practices across nine states, which employ more than 1,800 team members. The DSO provides services such as orthodontics, oral surgery, and general and pediatric dentistry. It services nearly 1 million patients annually.
NAK Dental Group (Tallahassee, Fla.). NAK Dental Group was founded in 2018 by Nathan Kupperman, DMD. The DSO supports five dental locations across northwest Florida. It provides its practices with management, succession planning, education, finances, consulting and recruiting services.
New England Dental Partners (Bourne, Mass.). New England Dental Partners has 15 partners throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The DSO is led by CEO Nicholas Papapetros, DMD. The organization was founded in 2017.
North American Dental Group (Pittsburgh). North American Dental Group has more than 240 affiliated dental practices throughout 15 states. It supports its practices by providing non-clinical administrative services. The DSO was founded in 2008.
Onsite Dental (Aliso Viejo, Calif.). Onsite Dental was founded in 1997. The DSO provides services such as general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery and more. It provides patient amenities including music, online booking and digital treatment presentations.
Oakpoint (Raleigh, N.C.). Oakpoint supports 27 practices across North Carolina and South Carolina. The DSO offers its practices human resources, finance, marketing and more. The organization is led by CEO Mick Janness.
OrthoDent (Austin, Texas). OrthoDent was founded by three dentists in 2012 with the goal of making oral healthcare more accessible to rural and suburban communities with limited access to high-quality care. The DSO offers services such as information technology, finance, credentialing and more. OrthoDent specializes in supporting general, orthodontic and pediatric dentists.
P1 Dental Partners (Indianapolis). P1 Dental Partners has 40 practices across Indiana and Illinois. It supports general, endodontic and pediatric practices. The DSO was founded in December 2020 and has partnered with Prairie Capital, a private equity firm in Chicago.
Pacific Dental Services (Irvine, Calif.). Founded in 1994, Pacific Dental Services currently supports more than 850 offices across 26 states. The DSO is led by its founder, President and CEO Stephen Thorne. The organization has been named on the "Inc. 5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America" list 14 times.
Peak Dental Services (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Peak Dental Services was founded in 2008 by Douglas Peak, DDS, and his son, A.J. Peak, who also serves as CEO. The DSO has 45 locations in Colorado and Texas. The organization is backed by healthcare-focused private equity firm Varsity Healthcare Partners.
PepperPointe Partnerships (Lexington, Ky.). PepperPointe Partnerships was founded in 2017 and currently has more than 90 office locations. The DSO supports fully doctor-owned pediatric dental and orthodontic group practices. The organization is led by president and CEO Greg White, DMD.
ProHealth Dental (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Founded in 2015, ProHealth Dental was established with the goal of creating a new approach to dentistry. Each of the DSO's affiliated practices clinically affiliates with medical providers to collaborate on care. The organization has 16 offices throughout New York and New Jersey.
ProSmile (Toms River, N.J.). ProSmile strives to be compassionate and understanding toward every patient. The DSO provides services to over 1,200 general dentists, specialists, hygienists and healthcare professionals. It has more than 80 locations across Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry (Raleigh, N.C.). Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry was founded by CEO Michael Riccobene, DDS, more than 20 years ago. Today, the DSO has more than 30 practices across North Carolina. Patient-focused care and state-of-the-art technology and treatments are the organization's top priorities.
Rock Dental Brands (Little Rock, Ark.). Rock Dental Brands was founded in 2016 by Mark Dake, DDS, Merritt Dake and Bryan Hiller, DMD. The organization provides services to general dentists and dental specialists throughout its four affiliations. The DSO supports more than 75 practices across Arkansas and Missouri.
Select Dental Management (Florham Park, N.J.). Select Dental Management was founded in 2018 by Jonathan Mason, DMD, and Elliot Zibel. The organization is affiliated with 37 practices and cares for more than 110,000 patients every year. It aims to foster a collaborative, rewarding and growth-oriented environment.
Signature Dental Partners (Phoenix). Founded in 2017, Signature Dental Partners is led by founder and CEO Chet Jenkins, DDS. The organization supports practices by providing services such as procurement, payables management, recruiting and more. The DSO has locations in 10 states across the West.
Signet Dental (Kokomo, Ind. and Nashville, Tenn.). Signet Dental supports multisite family dental practices and laboratories. Its goal is to become a prominent DSO in the Midwest over the next five to 10 years. The organization is financially partnered with Lead Capital Partners in Nashville, Tenn.
Simply Beautiful Smiles (Philadelphia). Founded in 2000, this DSO now employs more than 500 staff members across 38 offices in six mid-Atlantic states. The organization partnered with private equity firm Sun Capital Partners in 2019, and current growth forecasts project that the DSO will add more than 50 offices by the end of 2022. Simply Beautiful Smiles recently unveiled its first clinical leadership team, which gives dentists greater ownership over clinical decisions, and also recently partnered with StaffBase to implement an employee engagement interface that enables instant communication across the company via mobile app.
Simply Dental Management (Hopkinton, Mass.). Simply Dental Management was founded by owner and President Sam Alkhoury, DMD, in 2005. The organization currently serves over 40 practices in the New England area. The DSO provides services such as marketing, information technology, recruiting and more.
SmileLand Family Dental and Orthodontics (Maywood, Calif.). Founded in 2020, SmileLand Family Dental and Orthodontics supports two practices in Southern California. The DSO acquired its first practice in 2020 and more than quadrupled its revenue in less than a calendar year. The organization offers a unique mix of clinical expertise, efficient treatment planning, community outreach and marketing.
Smile Brands (Irvine, Calif.). Founded in 1998, Smile Brands has been named on Glassdoor's "Best Places to Work" list twice. Today, the DSO has nearly 700 affiliated dental offices with 7,500 team members across 30 states. The organization is led by co-founder and CEO Steve Bilt.
Southern Dental Alliance (Kennesaw, Ga.). Founded in 2012, Southern Dental Alliance has 47 affiliated practices across the Southeast. The organization provides its practices with legal, business development and human resources support. It is led by CEO Mark Lakis.
Specialty Dental Brands (Nashville, Tenn.). Founded in 2018, Specialty Dental Brands serves 200 practices across the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, Central, Southwest and Southeast regions. The DSO supports practices specializing in oral surgery, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. The organization is led by Chair and CEO Michael Schwartz.
Swish Dental (Austin, Texas). Swish Dental was founded in 2017 by Viraj Desai, DMD. The organization's two main goals are to change the way people feel about the dentist and empower women in dentistry. The DSO has 12 studio locations throughout the Austin area.
United Dental Partners (Chicago). After Scott Goldman, DDS, and Louis Whitesman, DDS, merged their four combined practices in 2014, WhiteGold Dental Partners was born. From there, the DSO later became United Dental Partners. Today, the organization serves over 120,000 patients and has 24 offices and 380 employees.
Underbite Dental Management (New York City) Underbite Dental Management was founded by David Janash, DMD. The DSO aims to provide its practices with a transparent, dentist-focused model. The organization manages 12 practices across the Northeast and East Coast.
US Dental Surgery Network (Nashville, Tenn.). US Dental Surgery Network was founded by Jeffrey Carter, MD, DMD. The organization specializes in the development and expansion of oral surgery, general anesthesia services and logistics and compliance services to large DSOs. It has 40 practices across Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland.
Vesper Alliance (Cincinnati). Vesper Alliance aims to provide care to those with fear, anxiety, physical limitations or medical conditions that have created a treatment barrier. The organization is the DSO arm of Cincinnati-based, anesthesia-driven practice Advance Dentistry, which specializes in caring for specific patient populations. It supports its practices with a call center, marketing, revenue cycle management and more.
Vista Verde Dental Partners (Carmel, Ind.). Vista Verde Dental Partners supports two brands: Britely Dentures & Implants and Same Day Dental. The organization offers its practices support with finance and accounting, vendor management and purchasing and practice operations. The DSO is led by President and CEO Dustin Netral.
Western Dental & Orthodontics (Orange, Calif.). Western Dental & Orthodontists has more than 350 affiliated offices across California, Alabama, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Its network includes more than 1,200 dentists. The DSO offers orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and endodontics.
Zak Dental (Downey, Calif.). Zak Dental is a multispecialty DSO with 12 offices across Southern California. It accepts all dental insurance plans and union plans. The organization is led by founder and CEO Ilya Zak, DDS.