What is a DSO (Dental Service Organization)?

How is MB2 Dental Different?

The landscape of dentistry is changing. While the core focus remains providing excellent patient care, the business side of running a successful dental practice has become increasingly complex. This is where Dental Service Organizations, or DSOs, have emerged as a popular solution for many dentists. But what exactly is a DSO, and how can these dental service organizations benefit a dental practice?

A Helping Hand for Dentists

A DSO (dental service organization) is essentially a business support center that partners with dental practices. Essentially, they manage the way a dental practice transitions from an independent practice into a successful, growing partner. They take care of the non-clinical aspects of running a practice, freeing up the dentist to focus on what they do best – providing top-notch dental care to their patients. Some of the key areas DSOs can assist with include:

  • Human Resources: From recruitment and onboarding to payroll and benefits administration, DSOs handle the complexities of managing talent, both at a corporate and practice level.
  • Marketing and Advertising: DSOs develop and implement marketing strategies to attract new patients and grow practices. A dental DSO can assist with digital marketing, print marketing, SEO, and making sure that a local dental practice is found by potential patients.
  • Financial Management: DSOs provide expertise in billing, insurance coding, and financial reporting, ensuring the dentist gets paid efficiently and accurately.
  • Operations Management: DSOs streamline day-to-day operations, including scheduling appointments, managing supplies, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Technology Integration: DSOs can help practices implement and utilize the latest dental technology for improved patient care and practice efficiency.

Benefits of Partnering with a Dental Service Organization

There are numerous advantages to partnering with a DSO. Here are some of the most significant:

  • Increased Efficiency: By offloading administrative tasks, DSOs allow dentists to spend more time with patients and improve overall practice efficiency.
  • Enhanced Profitability: DSOs can help practices negotiate better rates with suppliers and insurance companies, leading to increased profitability.
  • Growth Opportunities: DSOs can provide resources and expertise to expand the practice and reach new patient demographics.
  • Reduced Stress: DSOs can alleviate the administrative burden on dentists, leading to decreased stress and improved work-life balance.

However, the DSO model isn’t without its drawbacks. Some dentists may feel they lose control over their practice with a DSO managing the business side. They fear that when they sell their dental practice to a dental support organization, they are giving up their brand, their identity, and their autonomy. Additionally, the DSO model can sometimes lead to a more “corporate” feel within the practice, which may not resonate with all patients who value a personalized touch.

Introducing MB2 Dental: A Different Approach – The DPO Model

Here at MB2 Dental, we understand the appeal of the DSO model but recognize the desire for dentists to retain their practice’s unique identity and independence. This is why we’ve developed a different approach – the Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) model.

As a DPO, MB2 functions similarly to a DSO, providing comprehensive business support services. However, the key difference lies in the partnership structure. With a DPO, the dentist retains both their image and control over their practice. MB2 Dental acts as a collaborative partner, working alongside the dentist to achieve their goals while maintaining the practice’s distinct brand and culture.

The Advantages of a DPO Partnership with MB2 Dental

Partnering with MB2 Dental offers a multitude of benefits for your dental practice while allowing you to maintain your brand and run your practice, your way:

  • Power to the Partners: We believe dentists are the best decision-makers for their practices. You retain full control over clinical decisions and patient care.
  • Preserving Your Brand: Your practice name, logo, and branding remain the same. Patients continue to experience the unique environment you’ve built.
  • Focus on Patient Care: With us handling the business side, you can dedicate your expertise to providing exceptional care to your patients.
  • Shared Success: MB2 Dental is invested in your success. We work collaboratively to develop strategies that achieve your practice’s specific goals.
  • Flexibility and Customization: Our DPO model is flexible to tailor support services to your specific needs and preferences.
  • Dental Practice Valuation: If you have been thinking about selling your dental practice or partnering with a DSO or DPO, we can make your dental practice valuation simple, so you can be ready for your next steps. We even offer a dental practice valuation calculator.

Finding the Right Fit

Whether a DSO or a DPO is the right choice for your practice depends on your individual goals and priorities. DSOs provide a comprehensive solution for dentists seeking a more hands-off approach, while DPOs offer a supportive partnership that allows dentists to retain control and maintain their practice’s unique identity.

At MB2 Dental, we believe the DPO model offers a compelling alternative for dentists seeking a supportive partnership that empowers them to thrive. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your practice’s business operations while preserving your independence and brand, contact MB2 Dental today to discover how our DPO model can help your practice reach its full potential.