If you’re a private practice dentist thinking about joining a group, chances are you’ve come across a few acronyms: DSO, DPO, and – perhaps less frequently – DPG. It’s easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of dental organizations.
So let’s clear it up:
SPP is a Dental Partnership Group (DPG)…and that’s a very different model than a DPO (Dental Partnership Organization).
What’s the Difference between SPP and a DPO?
The names sound similar, but the philosophies (and outcomes) are actually quite different.
DPO: Dental Partnership Organization
- Typically backed by private equity
- Some doctors (usually founders) share in the group’s upside
- You might retain minor ownership in your individual practice
- Centralized decision-making (aka: “Here’s how we do things now.”)
- Autonomy is promised… but often conditional
SPP: Dental Partnership Group
- Doctor Founded. Doctor Led.
- You maintain full ownership of your practice
- You get to participate in the financial upside of the entire group
- You retain full clinical and operational autonomy
- Built for doctors who want to grow together – not sell out
(you can also watch this video of Dr. Weston Spencer outlining the key differences between a DSO, DPO, and a DPG.
Let’s Make This Real: A Few Hypothetical Examples
Dr. Kim joins a DPO
She’s told she can “own” part of her practice. What she doesn’t realize is that:
- It’s a minority stake, with limited say in decisions
- Her ability to hire/fire is now routed through a regional director
- Marketing is outsourced and no longer aligned with her practice vision
- Her earn-out period is 3–5 years, and she has to hit strict production goals
She’s not unhappy… but she’s not exactly in control either. It’s like being in the front seat of a car someone else is driving. She still gets to look out the window, but she doesn’t get to pick the destination…or the snacks.
Dr. Patel joins SPP
He keeps 100% ownership of his practice but gains:
- Shared resources for HR, marketing, billing, and operations
- Group buying power (saving big on labs and supplies)
- Access to other high-achieving docs via monthly study clubs and peer support
- Equity participation in the growth of the entire group
Most importantly, he’s not stuck managing everything alone anymore – but he still calls the shots. It’s like having a personal pit crew while still driving your own racecar. You steer, you win but you’re no longer changing your own tires between laps.
DPO vs. SPP: A Quick Analogy
Think of joining a dental group like showing up to a potluck dinner.
- DPO: You bring the main dish… and end up with a dinner roll and a politely worded handbook on how to serve it.
- SPP: You bring your signature dish… and leave with a full plate, great company, and a to-go box full of new ideas.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
It depends on your goals.
If you’re looking for a short-term exit with limited control, a DPO might fit.
But if you’re still passionate about private practice…and want to grow with support, ownership, and autonomy…then a DPG like SPP could be your ideal partner.
At SPP, you’re not a cog in a corporate machine. You’re a partner with a seat at the table and a voice that matters.
Curious if SPP could be a fit for your practice?
Let’s talk. You don’t have to go it alone or give everything up to get the help you need.
📞 Call us at 801-252-5415
📧 Email: info@sppdental.com
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