

INSIGHTS FROM DSO WORLD
May 22, 2025
Clifton Cameron, Chief Dental Officer of Lightwave Dental, shares insights into the evolving DSO landscape. He discusses the impact of labor inflation and the challenges solo practitioners face. Clifton emphasizes the importance of financial strategies and understanding DSO agreements, highlighting the need for camaraderie among dental professionals. The conversation also touches on consumerism's influence on patient expectations and the necessity of strong leadership and technology in adapting to market dynamics for continued success.
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Evaluate DSO's Core Value First
- When evaluating DSOs, spend more time on their mission, purpose, and how they handle adversity.
- Avoid focusing only on financial offers and multiples; leadership quality matters most.
DSO Overvaluation from ZERP Euphoria
- ZERP euphoria led to overvalued DSOs based on pro forma growth, not current earnings.
- Rising interest rates and labor inflation exposed the flaws in these models, causing distress.
Tighten Revenue Processes to Combat Inflation
- To cope with wage inflation, tighten revenue cycle processes and negotiate better insurance reimbursements.
- Focus on non-sexy financial efficiencies to maintain cash flow and profitability.