As consultants, we frequently encounter a common question from dental professionals: “Is DSO consulting better than solo practice consulting?” The truth is, both models have their advantages, depending on your goals, leadership style, and team structure.
We’ve guided practices of all sizes, from independent offices here in Sarasota to multi-location DSOs across the country. Whether you’re focused on growing your patient base, improving team communication, or streamlining operations, choosing the right consulting model can make all the difference in your success.
Understanding Each Consulting Model
Before deciding between DSO consulting and solo practice consulting, it helps to understand how each approach works.
We often describe consulting models like navigation tools for your practice. A DSO consultant is a GPS for a growing fleet, guiding multiple practices toward shared systems and goals. A solo consulting partner, on the other hand, is like a personalized compass helping a single office find direction, stability, and independence.
Both paths aim to improve efficiency, team performance, and patient satisfaction, but the methods and outcomes can differ. The key is knowing which approach best fits your practice’s vision and capacity for growth.
Choosing the Right Consulting Fit
Every dental practice has its own rhythm. Some thrive on independence, while others benefit from the shared strength of a larger group. Here’s how we usually break down the pros and cons of each model:
| Consulting Model | Pros | Cons |
| DSO Consulting | – Shared resources and centralized systems. – Strong data tracking and financial management. – Leadership support and growth opportunities across multiple offices. | – Less flexibility for individualized decisions. – Can feel corporate for smaller, community-based teams. |
| Solo Practice Consulting | – Personalized attention and flexible systems. – Easier to maintain your unique practice culture. – Greater control over patient care and operations. | – Requires more owner involvement in daily management. – Limited resource pooling compared to larger networks. |
We often remind our clients that success isn’t about choosing one model over the other; it’s about aligning the consulting style with your long-term vision, goals, and leadership approach.
Everyday Impact: What Sarasota Practices Are Experiencing
In Sarasota, we’ve seen both DSO-affiliated and solo practices achieve strong results with the right consulting approach. The biggest difference often comes down to leadership style and how teams respond to structure.
For independent offices near Main Street Sarasota or Siesta Key, solo consulting often allows for closer communication, faster decisions, and stronger relationships with patients. Meanwhile, larger practices working with dental management companies tend to benefit from systemized operations, consistent reporting, and scalable growth opportunities.
Both paths can lead to success; it’s just a matter of aligning your goals with the model that best supports your vision.
Care and Growth Strategy Tips
From our experience, the most successful dental practices, whether DSO-affiliated or independently owned, share one thing in common: they invest in structure and consistency.
Here are a few practical strategies we often share with our clients:
- Assess your systems quarterly to identify small inefficiencies before they become bigger issues.
- Prioritize continuing education for both clinical and management teams to stay competitive.
- Encourage open feedback within the team to keep communication honest and practical.
- Align goals across departments so every team member understands how their work supports the bigger picture.
- Track progress regularly using data from your practice management software or consulting reports.
We’ve seen how strategic structure, paired with consistent coaching, creates measurable results over time.
Guidance That Helps You Grow
We help practices find clarity in their management approach, whether that means streamlining solo operations or building a foundation for DSO expansion. By focusing on alignment, coaching, and measurable progress, we enable teams to adapt and thrive in any setting.
A Local Perspective
“We have been with Aligned Dental Partners for a little over two months now. Immediately, we felt a weight lifted off our shoulders as they were able to help provide direction and systems in solving large problems that have burdened our group. Rather than just identifying and discussing issues, we are now creating work plans and executing. Dr. G, Chris, John, and Christina make a great team; each bringing different areas of expertise, allowing them to help DSOs of all sizes grow and scale. Even though we are reluctant to share them, we would recommend them to anyone!”
– David Schellenberger
Founder/President, Jubilant Dental Partners
Finding the Right Consulting Direction
Choosing between DSO and solo practice consulting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The best path is the one that fits your goals, team structure, and leadership style. Both options can lead to stronger systems, more engaged teams, and better patient outcomes when supported by expert guidance.
If you’re ready to explore your next step, contact Aligned Dental Partners at (941) 203-3954 now. Together, we’ll find the consulting direction that helps your practice grow with confidence and clarity!
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between DSO consulting and solo practice consulting?
DSO consulting focuses on managing multiple practices through centralized systems, whereas solo consulting provides personalized guidance for independent offices. Both can drive growth, depending on your goals.
2. How can consulting improve dental hygiene operations?
Dental hygiene consulting helps practices build stronger recall systems, improve patient communication, and increase preventive care revenue through structure and accountability.
3. Is DSO consulting only for large practices?
Not necessarily. We’ve worked with smaller offices preparing to join or form DSOs. The key is readiness, ensuring your systems and leadership are aligned before expansion.
4. Can solo consulting still help if my practice is already profitable?
Absolutely. Solo consulting isn’t only for struggling practices; it’s also about refining efficiency, coaching your team, and maximizing long-term growth.
5. What role does oral health coaching play in consulting?
Oral health coaching connects patient education with practice success. It helps teams communicate more effectively, improve case acceptance rates, and foster long-term relationships.