What if I told you one of the biggest financial decisions of your career shouldn’t start with “yes” or “no” — it should start with getting educated?
The OSO and private equity landscape is changing quickly, and I don’t believe orthodontists should make a decision based on fear, hype, or someone else’s agenda. If you’re considering an OSO, this could become one of the largest financial transactions of your life. You owe it to yourself to understand exactly what you’re evaluating.
In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I share my perspective after roughly six years of studying the OSO space and five years inside Smile Doctors. I break down why today’s environment looks different from 2021, how the cost of money and broader economic uncertainty can affect deal flow, and why OSOs and DSOs should not automatically be treated as the same thing.
💬Quotes
“I’m not telling you to say no, and I’m not telling you to say yes. I’m telling you to get educated.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“This could be the largest financial decision you do or don’t make for the rest of your life.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Intro: Why the OSO conversation needs more education and less absolutism (00:00)
- How the OSO landscape has changed over the last five years (00:39)
- Why the broader economy and cost of borrowing matter to private equity (02:04)
- Why orthodontics and general dentistry can look very different financially (02:46)
- Capital preservation and the risks of smaller or less-established groups (04:05)
- Why the right OSO can make sense for the right doctor at the right time (05:21)
- The questions I would ask before joining: de novos, JV structure, equity and specialty mix (07:17)
- Why solvency and adaptability matter more than hype (08:24)
- What future consolidation in the OSO market could look like (08:41)
- Why changing capital costs may affect future multiples and deal flow (09:37)
- My final advice: learn the facts and make your own decision (12:08)
🟦 Additional Resources
I created a neutral e-book designed to help orthodontists better understand OSOs — including the revenue cycle, pros and cons, common mistakes, and questions you should be asking before making a decision. If you want a copy, DM me on Facebook, tell me you heard this episode, and send me your email. I’ll make sure you get it.
Don’t let someone else make this decision for you. Get educated, understand the facts, and choose what makes sense for your future.
👉 Airway Meeting:
https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026
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https://orthopreneurs.com/
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