There are several opportunities for new graduates to continue learning at DSOs, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon is a chief dental officer for the division of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry at Sarasota, Fla.-based DSO Dental Care Alliance. He recently spoke with Becker's about the benefits of new graduates joining DSOs over private practices.
Editor's note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Why should new graduates join a DSO?
Dr. Barry Lyon: The sanitized and controlled atmospheres of dental schools are dramatically unlike private practice. Students have faculty that can monitor every step along the way of patient care. Patient relationship building is stifled while in school because of the short time students have to develop patient rapport. Dental school graduates, and even those who’ve completed residency programs, often don’t know what they don’t know. It is for these reasons why new grads benefit when their careers start while working for a DSO.
While working for a DSO, the education of the new dentist continues, unlike a private practice where it can slow or even stop. Most DSOs have robust training programs and a plethora of continuing education programs, both didactic and hands-on. In addition, there are courses on such topics as infection control, HIPAA regulations and sexual harassment that broaden the new dentist’s knowledge and make the transition from dental school much easier. Most private practices do not have such programs and it is incumbent on the new doctor to seek them out, often at their own cost. As DSO-provided education continues, there’s growth, clinical success and less frustration.
It is also very likely there will be multiple providers, including specialists, treating patients in the same DSO-supported office. It is a huge advantage for inexperienced doctors to have other professionals with whom to have treatment questions answered.
There are successful private practices that work to cultivate their new doctors’ skills, but DSO practices provide a broad range of education, professional camaraderie and continuing support.