Scalability Guide for DSOs and Dental Groups
As dental support organizations (DSOs) and dental groups grow, so do the demands on their operations, leadership, and systems. Whether you’re opening new practices, acquiring others, or centralizing support, scaling a business requires strategic planning. This scalability guide brings together insights from industry leaders to help dental organizations expand with greater clarity, consistency, and operational strength.
Strategic Solutions for Scalable DSO Growth
From early-stage planning to execution, get a closer look at key decisions and strategies that can propel your dental operations forward.
Establishing a foundation for growth
Before opening additional locations or hiring new staff, it’s important to understand your organization’s purpose and values. Defining your mission, vision, and culture can ensure consistency across teams, locations, and patient experiences. Find out how DSO leaders approach culture-building from the start—and why waiting until a group is “big enough” can lead to missed opportunities later.
Building a financial strategy to scale
Securing essential funding starts with a well-prepared financial plan. Learn what potential investors or lenders expect for funding, from payor mix data and A/R reports to legal structure and debt schedules. Whether you’re seeking funding for new locations, technology investments, or centralization efforts, preparing your financial documentation from the start can strengthen your credibility and position your dental group for success.
Investing in cloud-based technology
Learn how DSOs and dental groups are using cloud-based systems to improve visibility across practices, centralize key operations, and reduce administrative friction. From automated scheduling to AI-enabled imaging and KPI dashboards, the right automated tools can free up your team to focus on clinical quality and patient experience to manage optimal performance.
Choosing de novos as a scalable path
For organizations that want to build new locations (or de novos) from the ground up, having full control over the process can be an attractive option. But new practices also come with challenges—from staffing during early ramp-up periods to unpredictable timelines and costs. Gain tactical advice from leaders who have expanded successfully, including how to anticipate delays, budget realistically, and structure teams before opening day.
Managing mergers and acquisitions at scale
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) offer speed but also demand careful preperation. Learn how experienced industry experts approach cultural integration, change management, and operational transitions. From HR communications to system conversions, you’ll see how to create stability for incoming teams and ensure that new locations are set up to thrive within your broader organization.
Scaling your team and leadership model
As your footprint expands, so does the complexity of running your business. Explore how to build a leadership structure that grows with you—whether by promoting internally or adding executive roles. You’ll also find guidance when to centralize key functions, how to train regional managers, and how to identify internal talent ready to take on new responsibilities.
Avoiding missteps to scale your business
Growth rarely happens without growing pains. DSO leaders share the most common pitfalls they’ve encountered while scaling, from expanding too quickly to underestimating operational needs or overlooking SOPs. Avoiding these issues can save time, resources, and team morale—and help your organization scale with fewer setbacks and a clearer view of what’s ahead.
Position Your DSO to Scale Effectively
Scalability in the DSO space is shaped by the systems you build, the teams you support, and the clarity behind every operational decision. With connected infrastructure and a consistent approach across locations, your organization can scale effectively, guided by purpose and supported by well-aligned operations. Contact us to learn more about scalable solutions built for DSOs and dental groups navigating expansion.
