Over 10% of dental practices nationwide are now tied into agreements with Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) or Management Service Organizations (MSOs). These agreements offer dentists financial and operational benefits—but poorly structured arrangements place practices in legal jeopardy. The risks extend beyond penalties; dentists can lose licensure, face lawsuits, or surrender control of their own practice.
A clear grasp of applicable laws, regulations, and legal principles surrounding MSO and DSO relationships is mandatory for every dental professional considering such an arrangement.
Dentists interchangeably use the terms MSO and DSO, but distinct legal differences set them apart.
MSOs provide strictly non-clinical business support to dental offices. Their services include:
MSOs hold no equity or ownership in dental practices and cannot legally influence clinical decisions or patient care.
DSOs operate differently, often holding partial or full ownership in dental practices. DSOs offer:
This involvement raises additional compliance and legal issues compared to MSOs.