DSO & DPMs

Roanoke, Va.-based Spencer Dental has been accused of using unsterile dental instruments on pediatric patients, according to a class-action lawsuit filed May 9 and cited by virginiafirst.com.

Cincinnati-based Cordental Group has affiliated with two practices in St. Louis.

More than 450 Aspen Dental practices across the nation will offer military veterans free dental care on June 8.

Orange, Calif.-based Western Dental has purchased two privately owned Coast Dental offices —one in Vallejo, Calif., and another in Tracy, Calif.

Valsoft Corp., a company that specializes in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, has acquired XLDent, a dental practice management software developer.

Irvine, Calif.-based Smile Brands has relocated one of its affiliated Bright Now Dental offices in Portland, Ore. This is the dental service organization's only Portland-based practice.

Dental service organizations face vast challenges — and opportunities — as the industry works to keep pace with burgeoning technology, evolving patient expectations and rising labor costs.

For those in the dental industry, the rise of dental service organizations is nothing new. These groups can range from 10-office DSOs to those with up to 750 offices.

An Aspen Dental in Mount Pleasant, Ill., will relocate less than half a mile west of its current location April 22 to improve patients' experience.

Marietta, Ga.-based Benevis has appointed Rich Beckman to serve as CEO, effective immediately.