Almost 7% of dentists in the U.S. are associated with dental service/support organizations (DSOs), according to a recent ADA Health Policy Institute report. While there is much discussion in the industry about these organizations, there's no readily available list of which are the largest.
This list is based on DrBicuspid.com research of readily available public information. The information presented is not meant to be definitive, but rather a snapshot of available data on the largest DSOs. In each instance, the information has been sourced through an organization's website, press releases, previously published material, or other sources.
Some companies and information are not on this list because the information could not be confirmed by press time. This list has been reviewed by industry insiders and will be updated when more information becomes available. If you are aware of missing information or an organization that should be on this list, please contact us.
Top 10
Organizations are ordered by the number of affiliated practices. All company websites were last accessed on May 19 or 22, 2017.
- Heartland Dental
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 750
Source: Company website
Brands: Individualized
Locations: Heartland practices are in 34 states.
Note: More than 1,200 dentists are supported by Heartland, according to the company's website. - Aspen Dental/Aspen Dental Management
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 600
Source: Company website and press release
Brands: Aspen
Locations: Aspen has practices in 36 states.
Note: Aspen providers saw more than 1.5 million patients in 2016, according to the company. - Pacific Dental Services
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 500
Source: Company website
Brands: Individualized
Locations: Pacific Dental has locations in 17 states.
Note: Pacific Dental was launched in 1994 in Costa Mesa, CA. - Smile Brands
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: 350
Sources: Company website and published material
Brands: Bright Now Dental, Castle Dental, and Monarch Dental
Locations: Smile Brands has offices in 17 states.
Note: Smile Brands' primary equity sponsor is Gryphon Investors, a middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco. - American Dental Partners
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: 285
Source: Company LinkedIn page
Brands: 22 in all, including Associated Dental Partners, A Tooth Doctor for Kids, Carus Dental, Forward Dental, and Metro Dental
Locations: Practices are in 21 states.
Note: American Dental Partners was founded in 1995. - Great Expressions Dental Centers
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 280
Source: Company website
Brands: Great Expressions
Locations: Great Expressions has practices in 10 states.
Note: Great Expressions Dental Centers was founded in 1982. - Dental Care Alliance
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 260
Source: Company website
Brands: Multiple, including Advanced Dental Care, College Park Dental, Gentle Dental, and more
Locations: Dental Care Alliance has practices in 13 states.
Note: The alliance was established in 1991. - Affordable Dentures & Implants
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 220
Source: Company website
Locations: Affordable Dentures has offices in 39 states.
Note: The first Affordable Dentures practice opened in 1975 in Kinston, NC. - Western Dental
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: More than 220
Source: Company website and published material
Brands: Western Dental & Orthodontics and Brident Dental & Orthodontics
Locations: Western Dental has locations in four states.
Note: Western is the leading provider of orthodontics in California and Arizona, according to the company. - InterDent
Number of affiliated/supported practices/offices: 200
Source: Company website
Brands: Gentle Dental, Dedicated Dental, Capitol Dental, Smile Keepers, and Blue Oak
Locations: InterDent has offices in eight states.
Note: Gentle Dental has almost 170 locations.
