DSO vs Traditional Dental Practice: Which One Is Right for You?

 

The dental industry has seen a significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the rise of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) companies and Dental Support Organizations (DSOs). This has led to a shift away from the traditional dental practice model, leaving many patients unsure about which approach is right for them.

In this article, we will explore the differences between DSOs and traditional dental practices, and provide insights to help you determine which one is the best fit for you.

What is a Dental Support Organization (DSO)?

A Dental Support Organization (DSO) is a business model that provides non-clinical support to dental practices. These organizations offer services such as billing and insurance, marketing, human resources, and practice management. The idea is to allow dentists to focus on providing high-quality dental care, while leaving the business operations to a team of experts.

DSOs can be either large national organizations or smaller, local ones. They may have their own network of dental practices, or they may partner with existing practices to provide support services.

What is a Traditional Dental Practice?

A traditional dental practice is a business model where dentists own and manage their own practices. These practices are typically smaller in scale and are independently operated. Dentists are responsible for managing the business side of their practice, including billing and insurance, marketing, human resources, and practice management. They are also responsible for providing dental care to their patients.

DSO vs. Traditional Dental Practice: Which One Is Right for You?

To determine which approach is right for you, it's important to consider several factors, such as your personal preferences, your dental needs, and your budget.

1. Cost

One of the primary advantages of DSOs is that they can offer dental services at a lower cost. Because DSOs have a larger patient base, they can negotiate better rates with insurance companies and suppliers. They can also take advantage of economies of scale to reduce costs for services such as marketing and equipment purchases.

On the other hand, traditional dental practices may have higher costs due to the need to cover overhead expenses such as rent, utilities, and equipment purchases. However, it's important to note that the cost of dental care can vary widely depending on the location, the dentist's experience, and the services required.

2. Services Offered

DSOs typically offer a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative treatments, and cosmetic procedures. They may also offer additional services such as orthodontics and periodontics. Because DSOs have a larger network of practices, they can provide patients with more access to specialized care.

Traditional dental practices may also offer a full range of dental services, but their scope may be more limited due to the smaller size of the practice. Dentists may choose to specialize in certain areas of dentistry, and they may refer patients to other specialists for more complex treatments.

3. Quality of Care

Both DSOs and traditional dental practices strive to provide high-quality dental care. However, some patients may be concerned about the quality of care provided by DSOs due to the business model. Critics argue that DSOs may prioritize profit over patient care, leading to rushed appointments and over-treatment.

On the other hand, dental dso companies supporters argue that the business model allows dentists to focus on providing high-quality care, rather than being bogged down by administrative tasks. They also note that DSOs can invest in the latest technology and equipment to provide the best possible care to patients.

4. Convenience

DSOs may offer more convenient hours and locations than traditional dental practices. Because they have a larger network of practices, patients may have access to a wider range of appointment times and locations. Some DSOs also offer online scheduling and appointment reminders.