Partnering with Plum Dental: What Makes Us Different from DSOs
Choosing the right organization can shape the future of your dental practice. Many dentists join Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) to reduce administrative burdens but often face profit-driven rules that limit their clinical independence. Plum Dental offers a better option. Our Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) puts dentists in control and prioritizes patient care above all else.
This blog explores how Plum Dental’s DPO model can help practices thrive without sacrificing independence and patient care.
DSO vs DPO Knowing the Key Difference
Before deciding on a partnership route, it’s essential to understand the difference between a DSO and a DPO.
What is a DSO?
A Dental Support Organization (DSO) operates under a legal structure that allows non-dentists, often supported by private equity investment firms, to own dental practices through management agreements. DSOs focus on several key priorities:
Centralized Administration: By handling HR, billing, and other administrative tasks from a central office, DSOs enable dentists to focus more on patient care.
Scalability and Growth: DSOs emphasize growth and operational efficiency, often streamlining processes and implementing standardized treatment protocols.
Supportive Clinical Models: DSOs work to balance clinical care with business efficiency, fostering sustainable practices for long-term success.
While DSOs are designed to provide valuable operational and financial support, some dentists may prefer a more independent approach to managing their practices.
What is a DPO?
A Dental Partnership Organization (like Plum Dental) is fundamentally different. Dentist-owned and operated, this model ensures that decision-making stays in the hands of practicing dentists. While you’ll still benefit from centralized support like HR, IT, and compliance, your clinical freedom remains intact. Profits and outcomes are shared among dentist owners and partners, aligning decision-making with patient care and long-term growth.
Plum Dental is proud to be a DPO that empowers dentists while nurturing their practices.
Why Plum Dental Chose the DPO Model
Plum Dental was founded with a clear purpose: to create something different. Built by and owned by dentists, Plum’s structure reflects a deep commitment to clinical and operational excellence designed to benefit not only dentists, but also their patients and teams.
As a third-generation, dentist-led organization, Plum chose the Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) model as a deliberate alternative to private equity-backed DSOs. This approach allows the group to stay focused on long-term success rooted in exceptional patient care, not short-term profits.
Here’s what makes their model work:
Led by Dentists: Strategic and clinical decisions are guided by professionals who understand the day-to-day realities of dentistry.
Patient-Centered Metrics: Plum measures success by the quality of care and patient satisfaction not just financial outcomes.
Private Equity-Free: Without outside investors, Plum remains focused on sustainable growth and preserving the integrity of each practice.
What Sets Plum Apart
Plum Dental’s model keeps clinical autonomy front and center, ensuring no outside entities compromise care. Here are the three key ways Plum safeguards your independence:
Decisions Stay Local: Unlike many DSOs, decisions are made by dentists and their teams in the practices who understand their community and patients, not by investors or shareholders.
Local Identity Retention: Your practice remains your own. You won’t see “Plum Dental” rebranding your office; your practice will retain its unique name and identity.
Tailored Support: Comprehensive resources take the administrative burden off your shoulders. From billing to vendor negotiation, Plum’s support solutions are designed to empower your practice, not control it.
Operational Support Without Sacrificing Autonomy
Unlike organizations that dictate clinical guidelines, Plum Dental provides operational assistance while respecting your autonomy. Here’s what Plum can help you with:
Billing and Compliance: Streamline complex processes without worrying about paperwork.
HR and IT: Plum handles recruiting, payroll, and IT setup, leaving you free to focus on dentistry.
Purchasing Power: Enjoy cost savings through collective vendor negotiations.
With these supports in place, you can dedicate more energy to what truly matters: your patients.
Elevating Clinical Excellence and Encouraging Growth
One standout feature of Plum Dental’s DPO model is its focus on professional growth and clinical excellence. Here’s what they offer dentists to help them thrive:
Continuing Education (CE): Plum invests in ongoing learning, helping dentists stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Technology Upgrades: Access cutting-edge dental technology to enhance patient care and practice efficiency.
Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside like-minded peers for mentorship, support, and shared knowledge.
Equity Partnerships: Plum provides opportunities for dentists to invest in the organization, further aligning interests and incentivizing success.
Join the Plum Dental Community
Plum Dental’s DPO model offers a unique, empowering alternative to traditional DSOs by keeping dentists in the driver’s seat. Through shared resources, unmatched support, and a dedication to clinical independence, Plum ensures you can build on your success, focus on patient care, and maintain a fulfilling work-life balance. Interested in learning more? Contact us today and start exploring how Plum Dental can transform your practice.
