Labor costs and low reimbursements have created a difficult operating environment for DSOs in 2024, but forward-thinking leaders are rising to the challenge.

Oral surgery-focused DSOs and MSOs have continued expanding their footprints across the U.S. as investments in the field grow.

Here are 17 milestones from DSOs and dental organizations, including entering new states, adding specialty services and hitting practice benchmarks, that Becker's has reported on in 2024:

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental recently acquired its first office dedicated to pediatric dental care and orthodontics. 

New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 opened a new dental facility in Norwalk, Conn.

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental recently added a Virginia dental practice to its network. 

Troy, Mich.-based Smile Partners USA recently added a Georgia dental practice to its network.  

Sacramento, Calif.-based Straine Dental Management made its 40th practice addition.

From network expansions to executive updates, here is what Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management has accomplished so far this year: 

Houston-based Smile Source, a private practice dental network supporting more than 1,100 independent dentists, launched a rebranded identity.

Dallas-based MB2 Dental added its 700th practice to its network with the addition of a new dental practice in Anna, Texas.

Here are seven dental groups and organizations adding, acquiring and opening practices in the South that Becker's has reported on since Feb. 15:

Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management recently added partner practices in five states, including its first in Maryland.

Here are three dental groups and organizations that have added practices and affiliates in New England that Becker's has reported on since Feb. 5:

Here are two DSOs that have recently acquired their first practices in Tennessee: 

Denver-based Lone Peak Dental Group recently expanded into Tennessee with the addition of a four-office practice.

This series examines the growth patterns within distinct categories: Small/Emerging, Mid-Market, and Elite.

Miami-based United Dental Corporation marked its entry into Tennessee with the addition of a practice in Nashville.

Greenwood Village, Colo.-based ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers reached the 100-practice milestone with its latest addition.

Several DSOs have recently launched initiatives and hired execs dedicated to supporting dental assistants and hygienists as workforce shortages continue to challenge the industry.