The Colorado Dental Board recently voted to temporarily block enforcement of a recently enacted practice ownership rule after a legal challenge was filed by the Association of Dental Support Organizations.
Five notes:
1. An amended rule from the Colorado Dental Board prohibited DSOs from serving as proprietors of dental practices, and states that a dentist who works at a DSO that is a proprietor of a dental practice may be subject to disciplinary action. The rule also barred DSOs from leasing office space or equipment to affiliated practices, and required the disclosure of financial and business records.
2. The amendment was adopted earlier this year following the 2025 Dental Practice Act Sunset Bill, which included various updates to dental licensing, scope of practice and board oversight.
3. The ADSO filed a legal challenge with the Colorado Court of Appeals in July, arguing that the board “overstepped its authority in rulemaking” with the amendment because the Sunset Bill did not mention DSOs anywhere in its text. The group also argued that the board’s restrictions threaten dental access for Medicaid patients in the state.
4. The Colorado Dental Board voted Aug. 24 to temporarily block enforcement of the rule, according to a news release from the ADSO.
5. ADSO CEO Andrew Smith said in the news release that the pause allows the courts to consider the rule’s validity and gives the board time to work with providers to ensure any final rule protects access to care without imposing undue compliance burdens.
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