A large focus for DSOs this year is expanding networks into new states, affiliating with more practices and opening de novo offices.
Carrollton, Texas-based MB2 Dental added 126 doctor partners to its network in 2022. It also partnered with 120 new practices and opened nine de novo offices, reaching its 500th practice milestone. The DSO said it is on track to add more than 40 practices during the first quarter of 2023 and plans to enter Iowa and South Carolina this year.
Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental, the largest DSO in the U.S., added 151 practices to its network last year, including 84 de novo locations and 67 affiliations. The DSO said it will continue to invest in high-demand areas this year.
"We have repeatedly outperformed our overall growth numbers, which can be attributed to our unique value proposition of being doctor-led, the trust that doctors place in our resources, and the dedication of our network of business and support professionals," Pay Bauer, president and CEO of Heartland Dental said Feb. 1. "Our outlook for Heartland Dental's long-term growth is very optimistic, as we continue to be focused on our mission to help doctors and their teams deliver the highest quality dental care to the communities they serve."
New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Premier Care Dental Management celebrated 2022 as its best year yet, adding 41 practices and entering New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The organization said it plans to expand into three more states in 2023 and add another 50 practices.
DSOs will also continue to stress the link between oral health and overall wellbeing and integrating the two into practice.
Construction on a building housing a co-located Aspen Dental office and a WellNow Urgent Care in Brooklyn, Ohio, is set to begin this winter.
Louisville, Ky.-based Mortenson Dental Partners just launched its "A healthy smile means a healthier you" marketing campaign, which will provide tips and preventive measures for maintaining good oral health through monthly blog posts, social media posts and educational resources on the company's website.
"I am excited about our new marketing campaign that raises awareness of the link between oral health and overall health. It is a great example of our company's mission, 'to improve the lives of others' in action," said Bill Becknell, CEO of Mortenson Dental Partners. "We hope that we can not only improve our patients’ oral health, but contribute to their overall health, longevity and happiness."