West Jordan, Utah-based Platinum Dental Services, a DSO with more than 21 locations, has partnered with Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub.
Vince Dilley, founder and CEO of Platinum Dental Services, shared the reasoning behind the partnership with Becker's.
Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: Can you briefly describe Platinum Dental Services' mission and recent growth?
Vince Dilley: The mission of Platinum Dental Services is to maximize our affiliated practices' ability to serve more patients in a better way. We do that by arming them with the best technology in the industry and keeping their offices up to date and running smoothly.
In recent years, Platinum has expanded existing facilities to accommodate the growing patient demand of integrated specialty services. Where we used to support offices with four to five operatories, we now support offices with eight to 16 operatories. These investments have allowed Platinum-supported dentists to bring in oral surgeons, periodontists and orthodontists to deliver specialty services in a convenient way. Patients want convenience. This is a key reason we have partnered with SmileDirectClub.
Q: Why did you choose to partner with SmileDirectClub, compared to other clear aligner companies?
VD: We actually offer other clear aligner options at Platinum Dental Services in addition to SmileDirectClub. We think there's room for multiple options and see the revenue potential of ensuring patients have access to safe, effective, premium teeth-straightening solutions that work for them, their budget and their time.
SmileDirectClub's hybrid telehealth solution isn't just more convenient for patients who get to skip frequent office visits, but it also means doctors can be more productive with their chair time.
The pandemic really forced us to consider how we might integrate telehealth into our practices, and SmileDirectClub came to the table with a really compelling offer that helps contribute to our revenue goals every year.
Q: Would you recommend partnering with SmileDirectClub to other DSO groups?
VD: Our partnership with SmileDirectClub is another way Platinum-supported doctors can grow their practices. At our first pop-up event with SmileDirectClub, we saw 50 patients book their SmileDirectClub scans at our location. We scheduled 17 of these people as new patients for the practice — a 34 percent conversion. These patients were looking for a dentist in addition to a teeth-straightening solution. Additionally, 65 customers have booked an appointment with us using SmileDirectClub's platform in less than two months. This is where the SmileDirectClub can help those who have oral care needs find a great dentist and improve access to care.
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