With the increasing influence and impact of DSOs in the dental industry, one dentist has a few ways for these companies to help solve some of dentistry's most pressing issues.
Todd Sarubin, DDS, of Sarubin Family Dental in Pikesville, Md., and Smile Rotunda in Baltimore, recently spoke with Becker's about what he'd like to see from DSOs.
Editor's note: These responses were lightly edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Todd Sarubin: I think the biggest issue concerning dentistry today is the ever-present and large influx of DSOs. Don't get me wrong. There is a need for DSOs. They serve a purpose by helping dentists and the dental industry provide care to a greater number of patients. They help young dentists get their feet in the door and start practicing. There is a lot of money behind DSOs. That can help the dentist who is looking toward retirement. They have influence with our vendors based on their large numbers to help reduce costs.
What I want to see from them next:
1. Make sure the quality of care and the patient experience is always No. 1.
2. Put money into the dental schools to help them teach our students the newest, latest and greatest that dentistry has to offer.
3. Work with insurance companies to increase their fees and decrease their patients' copays. Some of these companies' fees for their PPOs and HMOs are so low, it's hard to hire good staff, purchase new equipment and buy supplies.
4. Lastly, work with the government to assist those who can't afford dental care to get the care they so desire and deserve. If that means each of us takes on a pro bono or highly discounted patient case per year, so be it. I have been doing that for 38 years.