Bob Speil and Nate Williams open with the starfish principle—one doctor who doesn’t sell is worth the whole podcast—then analogize DSO dealmaking to Big Tobacco: a fortune in getting people hooked, almost nothing in talking them out of it. They take a highlighter to Chip Fichtner’s LPS 2025 scorecard and “just reconnect” emails, knocking the 6.75–11x EBITDA headlines down to work-backs, minority equity, and a commission machine now waving BlackRock, yachts, recruiting teams, and AI as reasons to hand over the name on the door. The closer is the real question under the sales copy: when private equity and family offices own the cash flow, who still owns the patient’s care—and why the honest answer still starts with just saying no.

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Weiner shares her journey from private practice to joining ICON Dental Partners, discussing the motivations, challenges, and industry insights related to group dentistry and private equity involvement. We explore the nuances of practice ownership, valuation, and the impact of DSO models on dentists and the profession.

This is a special Just Say No episode with a dentist who entered into a DSO and realized it was the wrong way forward for himself as his patients. Dr. Brad Langley recounts his tale of not only saying yes to a DSO but finally breaking free and finding new freedom after getting out. Here is a great quote from today's episode:

"After spending years in a DSO, I realized the corporate grind was squeezing out the personal touch. I started feeling disconnected, especially when it came to valuing my team. The constant push for profit often overshadowed patient care and staff well-being."

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Klasner shares her journey through the dental industry, her experiences with DSO models, and her insights on ethical practice and ownership. Discover how she navigated challenges and found success by prioritizing relationships and integrity.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Davis discusses the pitfalls of DSO affiliations, legal settlements, and the importance of ethical practice in dentistry. He highlights recent cases like Aspen Dental's legal issues and offers advice for dentists considering partnerships.

This episode features Dr. Mike Davis discussing the complex financial restructuring of major DSOs like Dental Care Alliance and Affordable Care, revealing the risks for dentists and the industry. We explore the implications of private equity ownership, debt-for-equity swaps, and the future of dental practice investments.

As a dental professional, you may wonder about the implications of selling your practice to a DSO versus a private buyer. In this episode it's case study time as we delve into crucial insights on this topic, including tax considerations, the time value of money, and what it means for your practice.

We've looked at serveral dentists deep into their careers and gone over how a DSO doesn't really make sense...what about the doctor with all of the promise in the world on the very front of his career...does a DSO make sense there? In this episode, Brendan Gallagher, an oral surgeon and podcaster, shares insights on the impact of DSOs on dentistry, the importance of practice ownership, and strategies for young dentists to maximize their careers and income potential.

This episode exposes the realities behind DSO equity and why selling to a DSO often results in less financial benefit than expected. There is a magic trick all DSOs are trying to pull...the magically disappearing equity. Nate and Bob dissect the myths, true principles, and risks associated with DSO deals, empowering dentists to make informed decisions about their practice futures.

Starting a dental practice can be daunting, but with the right insights and support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Mike and Christy Crockett, who have navigated the complex world of dentistry together, share their journey—from Mike’s schooling to their eventual ownership of a successful dental practice. In this post, you'll discover key lessons on building a practice, the importance of relationships in business, and how to make informed decisions like when to Say No to a DSO, this is the awesome conclusion to a great interview with Nate and Dr. Mike Crockett and his great wife Christy.