Both large and small-scale DSOs have made big moves this year to expand their networks and increase patient satisfaction as competition heats up in the field.
Here are three investments DSOs are making in 2022:
Staff
In addition to recruiting, several DSOs began offering growth and training opportunities to their affiliated dental staff this year.
In April, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Premier Care Dental Management launched a scholarship program for its employees and their family members, which will provide each recipient with up to $2,500 to be used toward tuition for an accredited program. Meanwhile, Chicago-based Aspen Dental committed to training 700 dentists in implant procedures this year as part of its ongoing training program and partnered with the Dental Assisting National Board to invest in radiography training and credentials for its dental assistants.
In May, Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Peak Dental Services also launched a program for its dental hygienists to become owners.
Technology + products
On Aug. 24, Pacific Dental Services became the first DSO to integrate dental and medical data with Epic's electronic health record system. The Irvine, Calif.-based DSO started implementing the system in April 2020 and just completed the process at its more than 885 supported practices across 25 states.
In July, Sage Dental teamed up with Japanese clear aligner manufacturer SheepMedical to offer its KiyoClear orthodontic aligners, making it the first U.S. DSO to offer the product.
Several DSOs have also begun using Overjet's artificial intelligence technology at their partner practices, including Chicago-based Great Lakes Dental Partners and Parker, Colo.-based DSO Ssun Health.
Practice affiliations
Many DSOs have reached milestone practice counts and entered new states this year.
Miami-based Guardian Dentistry Partners entered the Maryland market in August, adding two practices from the state to its network.
Carrollton, Texas-based MB2 Dental recorded its best first half of the year in its history this summer. The organization added 60 affiliate practices to its network, built four de novo offices, and entered North Carolina and Ohio. It plans to build 17 more practices this year.
New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 and Premier Care Dental Management acquired Dental Care New Jersey, an eight location DSO, in August. The deal expands Premier Care Dental Management's network to 106 practices across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.