GuidesThe Ultimate Business Guide For Orthodontists

Chapter 23: Beware of Selling to a DSO

Why Selling to a DSO Isn’t Worth It

Why Selling to a DSO Isn’t Worth It

Selling to a DSO might seem like an easy exit, but it comes with serious consequences.

  • Processes and decisions move painfully slow—what took you a day to decide now takes weeks or months.

  • Marketing collapses, leading to fewer patients, lower revenue, and broken financial promises.

  • Office culture deteriorates, with high turnover, disengaged staff, and unhappy patients.

  • Unless you are ready to retire and walk away completely, selling to a DSO is not the right move. If you’re still passionate about your practice and want to maintain control, quality, and profitability, keeping ownership is the best decision for long-term success.