Between staffing, insurance negotiations, compliance, payroll, marketing, and technology, many dentists find themselves spending more time managing a business than practicing dentistry.
That’s one reason more dentists are exploring partnerships with dental groups. In fact, as of 2023, roughly 1 in 7 dentists were affiliated with a dental group, double the number from 2015.¹
But not all partnership models are built the same.
Understanding the difference between a traditional Dental Support Organization (DSO) and a Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) is critical if you want to protect your autonomy, your culture, and the future of your practice.
What Is a Dental Support Organization?
A Dental Support Organization provides operational and administrative support to dental practices. These organizations help with areas like:
- HR and payroll
- Marketing and patient acquisition
- Billing and revenue cycle management
- Compliance and credentialing
- Procurement and vendor negotiations
- Technology and cybersecurity
- Accounting and financial reporting
The goal is simple: reduce the administrative burden on practice owners so they can focus more on patient care and long-term growth.
For many dentists, this support creates breathing room. It can also improve efficiency, strengthen profitability, and provide access to resources that are difficult to build independently.
At the same time, support often comes with tradeoffs. In traditional DSO arrangements, practice owners may have less flexibility over certain business decisions because ownership and operational control shift to the organization. This can include changes to systems, vendors, branding, or long-term strategic direction. While many dentists view those changes as a worthwhile exchange for administrative support and financial benefits, others place a higher value on maintaining local leadership, preserving practice culture, and retaining influence over the future of their practice.
Understanding the Different Models
Not every dental group operates the same way. The structure of the deal can significantly impact your future role, financial upside, and control over the practice.
Traditional 100% Buyout
In a traditional DSO buyout, the organization purchases 100% of the practice. The doctor typically receives cash up front and works at the practice for a transition period before eventually exiting.
This model may appeal to dentists looking for a complete and immediate exit. However, ownership and long-term control shift entirely to the buyer.
Buyout with Equity Rollover
Some groups offer equity rollover models, where the doctor receives cash plus equity in the parent company.
This can create future financial upside, but it also means your investment performance depends on the larger organization rather than the continued success of your individual practice.
The DPO Model
The Dental Partnership Organization model takes a different approach.
With a DPO, the doctor retains meaningful ownership in the practice while gaining access to operational support and shared resources. The dentist continues leading the practice clinically and culturally while participating in future growth.
This model is designed for practice owners who want support without giving up their identity or autonomy.
Why MB2 Dental Is Different
MB2 Dental was founded by our CEO, Dr. Chis Steven Villanueva (Dr. V), a dentist who believes private practice owners deserve a better option than practicing alone or joining a heavily centralized organization. Today, MB2 remains doctor-led and built around partnership, not control.
As the first Dental Partnership Organization, MB2 combines the benefits of scale with the independence doctors value most.
That means doctor partners maintain clinical autonomy while gaining access to more than 500+ support team members across specialized business areas.
Support That Actually Reduces the Weight of Ownership
MB2’s support model is designed to help doctors grow strategically without feeling isolated in the process.
Some of the support areas include:
- Business development and strategic growth planning
- Accounting and financial management
- HR and employee benefits
- Compliance and risk management
- Marketing and patient acquisition
- Revenue cycle management
- Payer strategy and insurance negotiations
- Recruiting and talent acquisition
- IT and cybersecurity support
- Facilities and expansion planning
This support structure allows doctor partners to stay focused on leading their practice while experienced support teams help manage the operational complexity behind the scenes.
And the impact is measurable.
According to MB2’s Support Service Guide, doctor partners see an average 10–20% increase in profitability after one year of partnership.
Partnership Without Isolation
One of the biggest challenges many private practice owners face is feeling like they have to figure everything out alone.
MB2 was built to change that.
Doctor partners gain access to a large community of like-minded dentists, continuing education opportunities, collaborative events, and peer support systems that help create connection beyond the practice walls.
The goal is not to standardize practices, but to help doctors build stronger businesses while staying true to the culture and patient relationships they’ve worked hard to create.
At MB2, we believe private practice owners deserve support, flexibility, and a true community behind them. That’s the foundation of the DPO model, and it’s why more dentists are choosing partnership without giving up ownership of their future.
Ready to explore your options?
Fill out the form below to start the conversation and learn how MB2’s doctor-led partnership model can support your goals while preserving what makes your practice unique.
¹ Sources: ADA Health Policy Institute, Becker’s Dental + DSO Review, 2023.
