DSOs shift strategy toward de novo office openings
DSOs are adopting de novo office strategy. Relevant for practice owners considering DSO partnerships or evaluating growth models.
Dental service organizations are increasingly opening de novo offices rather than relying solely on practice acquisitions. Smile Partners opened its first de novo office earlier this year as part of a new growth strategy that marks a departure from its traditional acquisition-focused model.
Why DSOs are building new offices
De novo offices offer unique benefits that acquisition-based growth does not provide. Opening new practices from scratch allows DSOs to build operations according to their operational standards and culture from day one, rather than integrating and standardizing existing practices. This approach reduces the integration complexity that often accompanies acquisitions.
Impact on DSO growth strategies
Although practice acquisitions remain a major growth engine for DSOs, the shift toward de novos reflects a diversification of expansion tactics. This strategy change suggests DSOs are weighing the long-term value of building aligned, cohesive practices against the speed of growth through acquisition. The de novo model enables DSOs to control every aspect of practice setup, from staffing to systems to patient experience, while avoiding the cultural and operational friction that can arise when consolidating independent practices.
Frequently asked questions
What is a de novo dental office?
A de novo office is a new dental practice opened from scratch by a DSO, rather than acquired from an existing practice owner. De novos are built according to the DSO's operational standards and culture from inception.
Why are DSOs opening de novo offices instead of just buying practices?
De novo offices allow DSOs to build operations aligned with their standards without integrating existing practices. This reduces integration complexity and cultural friction that acquisitions often create.
Is Smile Partners the only DSO opening de novo offices?
Smile Partners opened its first de novo office earlier in 2026 as part of a new growth strategy. The article indicates that several DSO companies have begun investing in de novos, though specific names are not listed.
Are practice acquisitions being phased out by DSOs?
No. Practice acquisitions remain a major growth engine for DSOs. The de novo approach represents a diversification of expansion tactics rather than a replacement of acquisition-based growth.
