‘Standing at the edge of a golden age for private practice’
A version of this Q&A first appeared in the Dental Bite Newsletter. Sign up to here to receive the weekly newsletter.
By Carrie Pallardy | for Dental Bite
In May, Smile Source and ACT Dental, a dental coaching and education company, announced their plans to merge. Smile Source was launched in 2006 as a private practice dental network. With the merger, ACT Dental will bring its members deeper opportunities for coaching and leadership development.
Dr. Jeff Osborne, DDS, chief dental officer at Smile Source spoke with Dental Bite about the merger and his outlook for the future of independent dentistry.
Can you tell me about how Smile Source was initially formed and the mission of the dental network?
Smile Source was created in 2006, with the idea of creating a collaborative and support-based model to preserve and grow independent dentistry. By the early 2010s, Smile Source began gaining momentum, and today we are a network of over 1,000 doctors representing approximately 750 practices.
Our mission has remained constant; to preserve independent dentistry. We do that through collective buying power, business and clinical education, marketing support and a strong community of like-minded dentists.
And I’ll say this, I don’t believe independent dentistry is dying. I believe we’re standing at the edge of a golden age for private practice, but only if we stick together. That’s what Smile Source is here to help do.
How did the idea of the merger with ACT Dental first come about?
At Smile Source, we’re always paying attention to the landscape; what’s changing, what members are asking for and what’s missing. For a long time, our members have been hungry for more business coaching, better systems and deeper leadership development.
ACT Dental was already delivering exactly that. So, rather than build something from scratch, we saw the potential to align with a team that shares our values and complements our strengths. The conversations came easily, the partnership came naturally and the merger simply made sense. We’re stronger together.
How do you think the combination of these two organizations will support independent dentistry?
There’s strength in numbers, plain and simple. This merger gives our combined organization more leverage, from negotiating power to educational reach to operational support. Where one group may have lacked a particular resource, the other brought that strength in spades.
So now, instead of asking our members to go elsewhere for coaching or systems, we’re bringing those resources inside the Smile Source community. Together, we can reduce overhead, grow revenue and give doctors access to a more complete toolset. If you’re an independent dentist, this is the kind of support that lets you run a better business while still practicing on your own terms.
Do you have any advice for other private practice dentists considering the possibility of exploring a merger with another practice or organization? I think every private practice dentist should at least explore the idea of joining Smile Source. Once you understand what we offer, the decision becomes pretty clear. We help you lower your overhead, and that’s important.
But more importantly, we help you raise your ceiling. Nobody ever saved their way to greatness. Growth happens when you surround yourself with people who are learning, improving, and pushing the profession forward. That’s what this network offers, a community, a conduit and a strategy for long-term success in private practice.
What’s the best way to learn more about Smile Source?
The best way? Come to The Exchange. Our annual meeting brings together private practice dentists from across the country for several days of CE, collaboration and connection. This year, we’re headed to Louisville, Kentucky, September 10 to 13!
You can earn up to 17 hours of CE, meet with leading manufacturers and distributors and spend time with a community of doctors who understand the challenges and opportunities of running a private practice today. And yes; your meals, your drinks, your learning…it’s all included. If you’re curious about Smile Source and want to see what we’re really about, come as my guest. Send me an email and let me know you're interested. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Once you attend, you’ll understand why so many doctors choose to stay.
Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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