The business model aims to help small practices expand.
For many new dentists, owning an independent dental practice is a desirable goal.
But the problem with running a small dental practice is that in order to remain competitive, limited staff members have to provide high quality dental services while also running an efficient business.
That’s where dental support organizations, or DSOs, come into play.
DSOs are independent business support centers that contract with dental practices to provide business management and nonclinical support services.
These are not new to the industry; there has been a proliferation of DSOs across the United States over the past two decades.
According to the American Dental Association, 7.8 percent of all practicing dentists in the United States are affiliated with a DSO, and the number keeps growing.
And for younger dentists (up to age 34), that number more than doubles.
The first DSO in Berks County was launched last month by the owner of a Wyomissing dental practice and an entrepreneur with an extensive business background.