Is Selling to a DSO Your Only Profitable Path? Not Anymore.

Many mid- to late-career dentists are looking for a better way to reduce stress, increase earnings, and prepare for the future—without selling to a DSO. This doctor-led dental ownership model lets you keep control, get support, and stay profitable.
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Best Dental Ownership Models for Doctors Who Don’t Want a DSO

Selling to a dental service organization (DSO) isn’t your only path forward. In fact, for many dentists, it’s not the best one.

In this episode of the Dental Office Rescue Podcast, host Linda Kane talks with Bryant Gibby and Dr. Weston Spencer from Saving Private Practice—a dentist-founded group offering a new kind of support model. One that gives doctors shared resources without giving up ownership or autonomy.
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Why Private Practice Dentists Are Rethinking DSOs

Doctors are feeling the pressure: increased costs, staffing shortages, and administrative overwhelm. Many are wondering if they’ll have to sell to survive.

Bryant Gibby, VP of Partnerships, explains that this consolidation trend is real—but it’s not the only option.

"We’re meeting doctors who feel stuck. They’re burned out and margins are tight—but they’re not ready to give up control. That’s where our model fits.”

With Saving Private Practice, dentists can reduce their workload, tap into group-level benefits, and still run their own show.
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How This Model Helps You Stay Independent and Earn More

Dr. Weston Spencer, a practicing dentist in San Diego and CEO of the group, knows the challenges firsthand. He built his practice from four operatories to a thriving group—and saw how sharing support services made growth possible.

“You don’t have to do it alone. You can keep the clinical control and the team culture, while offloading the stuff that drains you—like billing, HR, supply costs, and admin.”

Benefits reported by doctors in the group:

• 26%+ increase in operating income in the first year
• Lower supply costs through group buying power
• Improved collections from expert billing teams
• Freedom from day-to-day admin

One practice owner even tripled her income while maintaining full clinical autonomy.
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DSO vs. Doctor-Led Group: What’s the Difference?

Ownership

• Traditional DSO: Majority owned by the DSO or private equity
• Saving Private Practice: Majority ownership stays with the doctor

Clinical Decision-Making

• Traditional DSO: Often centralized and dictated by corporate systems
• Saving Private Practice: Clinical control stays fully with the doctor

Branding and Identity

• Traditional DSO: Practices are usually rebranded under a corporate name
• Saving Private Practice: You keep your practice name, team, and culture

Financial Upside

• Traditional DSO: Equity and future sale value go to the DSO
• Saving Private Practice: Doctors share in group equity and long-term upside

Administrative Support

• Traditional DSO: Included, but typically managed top-down
• Saving Private Practice: Included, with flexibility to use what you need

Why Linda Kane Recommends This Model for Private Practice Owners

As a dental consultant with decades of front-office experience, Linda Kane has seen what happens when dentists try to do it all alone. Burnout increases. Profit shrinks. Teams suffer.

“This isn’t about giving up. It’s about getting a real partner. You built something valuable—this helps you protect it and keep leading it.”

Want to Learn More?

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Dental Office Rescue Podcast:
Tired of DSO Talk? A Smarter Dental Ownership Model (That Pays More)

📖 Claim your free copy of Dental Office Rescue → rescuemydentaloffice.com
🌐 Explore services at zeroedindentalsolutions.com

Connect with Bryant & Dr. Spencer from SPP Partners

🌐 Saving Private Practice
📧 Bryant Gibby: bgibby@sppdental.com | 📱 (801) 541-3484
🔗 Dr. Weston Spencer: linkedin.com/in/drwestonspencer

FAQs: Common Questions About Dental Ownership Alternatives

Is this only for dentists nearing retirement?
No. This model supports both mid-career and late-career doctors who want more freedom, support, or financial growth without selling out.

Can I still make clinical decisions and lead my team?
Yes. You keep control of treatment, hiring, culture, and your daily operations.

How do I get paid?
Doctors retain majority ownership and share in the group's financial upside. It’s not a buyout—it's a partnership.

What kind of support is included?
Billing, marketing, HR, recruiting, and supply chain management are available. You choose what to use.