Running a dental practice means running a small business: billing, payroll, marketing, purchasing, IT, HR and compliance, on top of patient care. A dental support organization (DSO) takes on much of that non-clinical work so dentists can focus on dentistry.
What a DSO typically handles
- Insurance billing and revenue cycle: claims, payments, denials and collections
- Accounting and payroll: accounts payable, payroll and financial reporting
- Marketing: websites, local SEO, patient engagement and community outreach
- Purchasing: negotiated pricing on supplies, lab services and equipment
- Operations: scheduling processes, staff training and patient experience
- Call center support: centralized phones, after-hours and emergency coverage
- Facilities and IT: maintenance, technology and vendor management
- Credentialing and startups: insurance enrollment and new-office setup
What stays with the dentist
Clinical decisions belong to the dentist. A good support organization respects clinical autonomy and focuses on the business infrastructure around it.
Why practices partner with a DSO
Shared resources bring purchasing power, specialized expertise and systems that would be expensive for a single office to build alone. For dentists, that can mean less administrative stress, more time with patients, and support for growth, whether that's opening a new office or bringing in a partner.
Questions to ask before partnering
- How much clinical independence will I keep?
- Which services are included, and which are optional?
- How is performance reported? Will I see my practice's numbers?
- What does the path look like for associates who want ownership?
- Who are the people I'll actually work with day to day?
About Excel Dental Solutions
Excel Dental Solutions is a dentist-founded support organization serving practices in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas. We help dentists start, run and grow their practices, handling billing, marketing and everything else it takes to run a dental office. Learn more about us or get in touch.
Need help with your practice?
Talk to Excel Dental Solutions about startups, billing, marketing and everything else it takes to run a dental practice.