Dental service organizations (DSOs) are experiencing lagging reimbursement rates, which have remained stagnant for years despite rising operating costs and expenses. However, new technology-driven opportunities are available and can help DSO operators grow, diversify services, and solidify their position as dental providers of choice in their respective markets.

Miami-based United Dental Corporation acquired a prosthodontics-focused practice in Atlanta. 

California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are a few of the states that saw the most DSO activity during the third quarter of this year. 

Several DSOs have opened, acquired or affiliated with dozens of dental practices in California, Florida and Texas this year. 

Here are eight updates on Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental, Chicago-based Aspen Dental and Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services, the three largest DSOs in the U.S., that Becker's has reported on since Sept. 6:

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental recently opened an office in Acworth, Ga. 

Morrisville, N.C.-based Affordable Care has added practices in Idaho and New Hampshire.

Here are three dental groups that have expanded their presence in Washington that Becker's has reported on since Aug. 30:

Toms River, N.J.-based DSO ProSmile recently sold its SmartArches brand to private equity firm TriSpan.

Two group practices in Minnesota have come together to form Park Dental Partners.

Dental practice purchases and mergers and acquisitions facilitator Professional Transition Strategies closed 30 dental practice transition deals in the third quarter, according to an Oct. 17 news release from the company. 

Nashville, Tenn.-based Southern Orthodontics Partners affiliated with Reed Orthodontics in Naples, Fla.

A newly-built retail building in Kyle, Texas that includes a Heartland Dental practice has been sold, according to an Oct. 12 report by REJournals.

Here are four dental groups adding practices in California that Becker's has reported on since Sept. 11:

Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services recently awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships to dental assisting students.

Irving, Texas-based Specialized Dental Partners has partnered with endodontics practices in five states, according to recent posts on its LinkedIn page. 

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental provided more than $1.8 million in dental services during its third annual Companywide Free Dentistry Day. 

Dallas-based Smile Doctors, an orthodontics-focused DSO, introduced a joint venture partnership model for its partner doctors. 

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental recently hit 119 practices after its latest acquisition. 

Here are 11 female DSO executives to know: