Independent practices can scale without private equity backing
Practice owners weighing private equity offers should read how one surgical practice scaled to double digits while staying independent.
A New York-based oral and maxillofacial surgery practice has demonstrated that independent dental practices can expand significantly without private equity investment. All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, based in Melville, New York, has grown to double-digit locations across New York State while remaining independently owned and operated.
Growth strategies for independent practices
According to the practice owner, scaling a dental practice depends on execution rather than external funding. The practice has achieved multi-location expansion by leveraging internal resources and operational discipline. This approach challenges the assumption that practices must accept private equity investment to reach meaningful scale, particularly in surgical specialties where capital requirements are typically higher.
Independence as a viable long-term model
All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery continues to pursue expansion plans while maintaining independence. This case study suggests that practices can control their own growth trajectory, preserve clinical autonomy, and avoid the equity pressures and governance changes that accompany private equity backing. The ability to sustain this model across multiple locations indicates that organic growth, reinvestment of profits, and operational efficiency can serve as alternatives to external capital sources.
Frequently asked questions
Can dental practices grow to multiple locations without private equity funding?
Yes, according to All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in New York, which has expanded to double-digit locations while remaining independently owned. Success depends on proper execution, operational discipline, and reinvestment of profits rather than external equity sources.
What are the advantages of staying independent while scaling a dental practice?
Independent practices retain clinical autonomy, control their own growth trajectory, avoid equity pressures, and preserve decision-making authority. They also avoid governance changes and dilution of ownership that accompany private equity backing.
How does independent growth compare to private equity-backed expansion?
Independent practices grow through internal resources and operational efficiency, while private equity-backed practices receive external capital but must align with investor timelines and exit strategies. Each model has different implications for long-term ownership and practice culture.
Is organic growth viable for oral surgery practices specifically?
All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery demonstrates that oral surgery practices can achieve multi-location expansion organically. Surgical specialties typically require higher capital investment, but strong operational management and profit reinvestment can support sustainable growth.
What factors enable a practice to grow without outside investment?
Key factors include proper execution of business systems, operational discipline, reinvestment of profits into new locations, and management of capital efficiently. Strong leadership and clinical quality also support organic expansion across multiple locations.
