The dental industry saw a decrease in mergers and acquisitions in 2024, caused by a more constrained economy than in years past.
Executives are planning for a more active DSO space in 2025 as the economy continues to build and recover.
Jason Auerbach, DDS, co-CEO of Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management, is among those expecting a bounce back, specifically in the oral surgery sector.
"I'd anticipate a meaningful uptick in mergers and acquisitions in the oral surgery space in 2025 with a continued focus on quality practices rather than accumulation of EBITDA for the sake of arbitrage," Dr. Auerbach told Becker's. "For Max, I am predicting maximum momentum."
The company is aiming to continue building on its strong momentum from 2024. In November, the oral surgery MSO reached the 25 practice milestone, achieving the feat in less than two years.
"The Max movement is real," Dr. Auerbach said. "In our rapidly growing network of surgeons at the top of their game, I find myself proudly surrounded by fellow trailblazers, not followers or pretenders, and we're blooming. The vision resonates, and the momentum here is undeniable. With every new addition, the platform becomes stronger, more dynamic and full of fresh opportunities."
Max Surgical Specialty Management is not trying to change up the strategy and culture that it has established since its founding in 2023 and is pledging to stay true to its roots through its growth and expansion.
"Even as we grow, Max stays true to its roots of being personal, collaborative and driven by a culture of excellence where you know you matter more," Dr. Auerbach said. "Our diverse and exceptional group of surgeons have decidedly not just signed on to a platform, they've stepped into a movement that has their back, fuels their vision and breaks new ground in oral and maxillofacial surgery."