DSOs – Purchasing a New Practice? Here’s the Dental Software It Should Already Have

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For Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), acquiring a new practice is about more than just patient volume or location — it’s about long-term value and scalability. One of the most important indicators of a practice’s operational maturity (and acquisition readiness) is its technology stack. Specifically, does it already have the right dental software in place to support smooth operations and seamless integration into your network?

Here’s the software every potential acquisition should already be using to make your job easier — and the practice more appealing:

#1. Practice management software

If the practice is running on outdated or on-premise tools, onboarding it into a modern DSO system will be costly and time-consuming. Ideally, the practice should already use cloud-based practice management software that supports:

• Multi-location or group practice compatibility
• Digital scheduling, charting, and recall management
• Integration capabilities with your existing systems
• Real-time reporting and analytics

This makes the transition smoother and reduces friction during onboarding.

#2. Patient engagement software

A practice that uses patient engagement software shows it’s already prioritizing communication and retention. Look for tools that include:

• Automated appointment confirmations and reminders
• Digital forms and consent
• Two-way messaging
• Post-appointment surveys
• Robust analytics

This indicates the practice is proactive about the patient experience, improving retention and long-term value for the DSO.

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#3. Dental imaging software

Outdated imaging systems can be a red flag, requiring costly replacements or risky data migrations. A practice with modern dental imaging software is already ahead of the curve.

Digital radiography with cloud storage and integration with practice management software, as well as 3D imagine or AI-enhanced diagnostics, are key elements. Always be sure to look for secure data and data-sharing protocols. This kind of setup ensures continuity in patient care and reduces onboarding challenges for your DSO clinicians.

#4. Billing Software

A new practice with a clean, digital billing process is a must-have. Ideally, their billing software should include electronic claims, clear patient invoicing, and financial reporting dashboards. This shows the practice is not only profitable but also disciplined and efficient, reducing your revenue risk post-acquisition.

Want to drive more efficiency at your DSO? We have a guide for that!

Intiveo offers a number of resources to dental and oral surgery practices,including our guide, 5 Ways to Increase Efficiency at DSOs and MSOs. You can also check out our podcast, The Patient Experience Blueprint, for insights from industry leaders.

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