Oral Health and Maxillofacial Research

ABSTRACT

Corporate dentistry is changing the traditional practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dental Service Organizations (DSO) and Private Equity Firms are consolidating dental practices. DSOs allow dentists to focus on patient care while business experts manage the administrative aspects. The traditional practice models of ownership, independence, and the ability of oral and maxillofacial surgeons to control the direction of the practice are concerning as the DSOs capture more of the marketplace. The future direction of the specialty should be controlled by oral and maxillofacial surgeons who understand the individual and group practice model, allowing us to unite our individual practice patterns and resources for the greater good of the specialty. In addition, the impact on education and training, hospital practice, and maintaining our autonomy are important issues to address as we move forward. Moreover, it raises critical questions about the long-term implications of corporate dentistry on patient care, education, and professional autonomy within the OMFS specialty.

KEYWORDS

1. Professional autonomy
2. Dental care
3. Group practice
4. Patient care