Irvine, Calif.-based Smile Brands was founded in 1998 and is led by co-founder and CEO Steve Bilt.
Orange, Calif.-based Western Dental was founded in 1903 and is led by Chair and CEO Daniel Crowley. The organization offers orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and endodontics.
Here's how two of California's biggest DSOs compare:
Number of affiliated practices
Smile Brands: nearly 700
Western Dental: more than 350
Number of employees
Smile Brands: 7,500 team members
Western Dental: 1,200 dentists
Number of states
Smile Brands: 30
Western Dental: 5