Becker's Dental + DSO Review

25 BECKER'S DENTAL + DSO REVIEW - VOL. 2021 NO. 3 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING Sponsored by: In today's challenging dental climate, many dentists see the advantages of affiliating with a dental service organization. But there are important differences between DSOs. 42 North Dental, a fast-growing DSO supporting over two dozen practices in almost 90 locations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, takes a unique people-first approach to partnership. Becker's Hospital Review recently spoke with three key members of 42 North Dental's team: • Brian Boulter, vice president of business development • Rondi Michaux, director of corporate development • Matthew Simko, brand manager These 42 North Dental executives all have long histories in the dental industry. They shared their perspectives on the current state of the industry, challenges faced, how the industry and 42 North Dental practices are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and what distinguishes 42 North Dental from other DSOs. Dental practices face a multitude of challenges "I think it just becomes more and more complicated every day," Mr. Boulter said. Dental practices face all of the stress, anxiety and challenges of running any small business. Owners of dental practices must deal with marketing, operational issues, payroll, staffing and more. Increasingly, Mr. Boulter explained, dental practices must deal with regulatory issues and ensuring safety and compliance with the latest guidelines from the CDC. The good news, Mr. Simko said, is that, "We know patient demand is there." Ms. Michaux noted that many practices are at full capacity and are actually struggling to keep up with demand. "Patients are back [as COVID-19 recedes] and practices are bursting at the seams," she said. In this environment one of the most significant issues that many practices are facing is finding adequate levels of staffing. "It's tough to hire right now," Mr. Simko said. Each team member from 42 North Dental mentioned that wrestling with these various operational and managerial challenges serves to distract dentists from doing what they truly want to do, which is spending time with patients and delivering great experiences. This desire to spend more time focusing on patients and less time on all of the other aspects of the business is what motivates many dentists to consider affiliating with a DSO. The concept of affiliating with a DSO is top of mind for many dentists Ms. Michaux, who frequently speaks with dentist-owned practices in the Northeast, indicated that many dentist- owners today are aware of the general benefits of a DSO. Having worked in the industry for 26 years — including many years at dental practices — Ms. Michaux conveyed that "the industry landscape has changed." She said that when she speaks with dentists, "They have already done their homework," and, "Dentists understand a partnership model." She hears from dentists who are interested in the benefits of being part of a group, having centralized services and possibly receiving administrative support, marketing assistance and technology guidance and support. 42 North Dental's customized, people-first approach Members of the 42 North Dental team stressed that their DSO is different. The company provides similar services to other DSOs but also has multiple specialties under one roof, as well as extensive support, such as mentorship programs, for teams and associates. Yet most important is 42 North Dental's unique philosophy, attitude and approach. "We seek to partner with the practice owner personally to help them realize their vision," Mr. Boulter said. "They're looking for a partner to help them achieve their goals and we work with each practice owner to fine tune that and provide the resources they need to get to where they want to go." In commenting on 42 North Dental's reputation, Mr. Boulter said, "We truly care as much as the practice owner about their doctors, their teams and their patients." In Ms. Michaux's experience, most dentist-owners that 42 North Dental works with are looking for a path and a partner. Dentists aren't necessarily looking to exit their business; they are entrepreneurial and growth oriented and need a partner to help them unlock their practice's true value — without leaving behind what they have built. "We respect the practice and help them maintain what made Not all DSOs are alike — A look at 42 North Dental's people- first approach to partnership

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