The DSO sector has experienced big shifts this year, including new competitors, growth challenges and changes in demographics.
Here are 10 things to know about DSO consolidation this year:
1. The dental industry has seen nearly 200 DSO transactions so far this year.
2. California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey are the states that have seen the most DSO activity so far this year.
3. The top 10 largest DSOs in the U.S. support about 7,000 dental offices combined.
4. The top five largest DSOs in the U.S. support more than 10,000 dentists in the U.S.
5. Miami-based Guardian Dentistry Partners was ranked as the fastest-growing DSO in the U.S. on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.
6. DSOs are being faced with the task of fighting notoriety as certain practices are scrutinized in the field. This could lead to fewer partners joining DSOs, industry leaders say.
7. Obtaining private equity recapitalization has become an increasingly challenging feat for many DSOs, according to Freedom Dental Partners Founder and CEO Avi Weisfogel.
8. A report from the Association of DSOs found that the majority of dentists now work in a group practice, with only 36% of dentists working at a solo practice. Thirteen percent of dentists are now affiliated with a DSO.
9. Dentists who have been out of dental school for 10 years or fewer are more likely to be affiliated with a DSO, according to data from the ADA's Health Policy Institute.
10. The dental industry has seen the launch of several new DSOs this year. Some of the newcomers include Archway Dental Partners, Cliff Ridge Specialty Partners and REV One Dental.