Pediatric dentistry is becoming a valuable investment for DSOs looking to fuel long-term, sustainable growth, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon, dental director for Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics and Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker’s about the benefits of pediatric dentistry for DSOs.
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. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics or Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
Pediatric dental practices, or pedo practices, have become one of the most valuable assets in the DSO marketplace. While general dentistry remains the foundation of most organizations, pediatric dentistry provides operational efficiency, predictable revenue streams, lower operational costs and sustainable value. For DSOs looking to expand their footprint, stabilize cash flow and build multi-generational patient relationships, pediatric dentistry checks nearly every box.
While endodontic and oral surgery practices often offer a one-time visit, a pediatric practice is built on repeated care. Preventive visits occur on a predictable six‑month cycle. From infancy through adolescence, pediatric patients require continuous care that very often culminates in full orthodontic treatment and oral surgery visits for third molar extractions. This epitomizes unique predictability, profitability and stability in a healthcare setting.
DSO-supported pediatric practices are proficient in navigating the often-complex Medicaid environment by having proficient centralized billing systems, solid compliance infrastructures and talented payer‑relations teams. This becomes a scalable advantage for a DSO.
Pediatric dental practices are streamlined operations based on established standards of care. Whether the practice is east of the Mississippi or west of the Mississippi, clinical protocols, material usages and applied technologies are uniquely consistent, making economies of scale advantageous to the DSO.
Thanks to the efforts of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents are aware of the advanced training of pediatric dentists and their capacity to provide expert care above and beyond that of a general dentist. DSOs take advantage of this through digital marketing, community outreach and school partnerships. Reputable pediatric practices strengthen the DSO’s brand and drive referrals across specialties.
What uniquely positions a pediatric-supported practice from any other is the generational ability of providing the DSO with a stream of adult patients as children mature and move on from the pediatric practice.
