profile

Get Clear Insights Straight to Your Inbox

The DSO CEO with 5 implant vendors (and why he kept them)

Published about 4 hours ago • 4 min read

Dave Gaspar didn't grow up wanting to run a DSO. He grew up in Arizona wanting to be a baseball broadcaster. Listened to Vin Scully every night. Got a communications degree. Worked in radio. Left when he realized small towns and small paychecks weren't the plan.

He ended up in veterinary practice management. Then dentistry. And somewhere in between, a few doctors took him into the back of their practices and showed him what the job actually looked like from inside an operatory.

That stuck.

ow he's CEO of Smile Partners - 120-plus practices across the Midwest - and the way he leads comes directly from that experience. When his team evaluates a new technology or vendor, the business case is last. Not because revenue doesn't matter. Because he's seen enough practices to know: if it's good for the patient and good for the team, the numbers follow.
​

The thing that stood out most in our conversation wasn't his framework. It was what he said about implant vendors.

Smile Partners has five. Not one. Five. Because when they acquire a practice where a doctor has used a specific implant system for 15 years, asking that doctor to switch is close to crossing the clinical autonomy line. So they don't force it. They have a clinician — not Dave — have that conversation peer to peer. And sometimes the answer is: we keep five vendors.

That costs money. They do it anyway.

That's the kind of decision that tells you what an organization actually values versus what it says it values.

If you're evaluating DSO partnerships right now, the questions worth asking aren't about revenue splits. Ask them what they've sacrificed to protect clinical autonomy. Ask if you can call a current partner - good experience and bad. Ask them directly: what's going to change after we sign?

If they say nothing, walk.

If you want to dig deeper into how to evaluate DSO partnerships and what to look for before you sign, reply to this email. Happy to point you toward the right resources.

Video of the Week

video preview​

Dave Gaspar, CEO of Smile Partners (120+ practices), pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to lead a DSO without a clinical background and why that forces better decisions. In this episode, Dr. Avi and Dave break down the three promises every DSO should make before a doctor signs, why clinical autonomy is only meaningful when you're willing to sacrifice for it, and how grit — not just IQ or EQ — determines whether a partnership actually works.

-Dr. Avi

Ever wonder how much opportunity you're sitting on in your practice?

Take the aligner growth assessment to see what's possible below...

Want to learn more from me?

​Free Trainings​

​Courses​

​DSO Solutions​

Follow me on social

Why You’re Receiving This Email: You’re receiving this email because at some point, you opted in to receive updates, news, or information on a specific topic we’ve previously discussed or shared. Whether it was through a subscription, a form submission, or another form of communication, your information was shared willingly, and we respect your decision to connect with us. If you’re wondering about the nature of our correspondence, rest assured that we aim to keep all emails relevant, timely, and free from unnecessary clutter. This includes respecting your inbox and refraining from sending irrelevant messages. Your Privacy is Important: We value your trust and take your privacy very seriously. The information you provide is securely stored and never shared, sold, or used outside the purpose for which you provided it. If you ever want to review how we handle your data, feel free to contact us directly. Transparency is our priority, and we’re happy to address any questions you might have. You are always in control of the information you share. If you feel that any part of your subscription or interaction needs clarification, let us know. We’re here to provide accurate answers and ensure your satisfaction. How to Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences: We understand that everyone’s inbox is different. If you ever find our emails no longer relevant, there’s no hard feelings. You can easily manage your email preferences or unsubscribe using the link provided below. By clicking the unsubscribe link, you’ll be taken to a page where you can either adjust your communication preferences (such as receiving fewer emails or only on specific topics) or completely remove yourself from our list. The process is straightforward, and any changes will take effect promptly. We don’t use tricks or gimmicks to keep you subscribed. Our priority is to ensure that our emails add value to your day, and if they don’t, we respect your decision to part ways. Accessibility and Communication: If you have any trouble accessing the unsubscribe page, managing preferences, or understanding why you’re receiving this email, you can reach out directly to our support team. We aim to provide a response within a reasonable time frame and address your concerns effectively. Our communication is designed to be as inclusive as possible, but we know there’s always room for improvement. If you have any feedback on how we can make our emails more accessible or relevant, please don’t hesitate to share. A Commitment to Non-Intrusive Emails: We aim to create a non-intrusive communication experience. This means we won’t overwhelm your inbox with excessive messages, and we work hard to ensure our content remains clear and concise. The purpose of this email is to stay connected with you and provide updates or information that we believe is meaningful. If we ever fail to meet these standards, we encourage you to let us know. Feedback, whether positive or constructive, is always appreciated. Your thoughts help us understand how we can do better and improve our communication approach. While we cannot guarantee every suggestion will be implemented, we will take the time to carefully review and consider your input. We strive to ensure all communication channels are open and readily available to you. Whether it’s a question, comment, or concern, our team is ready to assist.

Don't want to be part of the newsletter community anymore? No worries! Unsubscribe here​

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246

If you do not want another email from me ever again - unsubscribe below. I will be sad to see you go as I plan to continue to bring as much value as I can for you - but I understand if you don't find any of this valuable. Best of luck with everything and thanks for your time!
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Get Clear Insights Straight to Your Inbox

by Dr. Avi Patel

Sign up for Clear Insights – your weekly source for all things Clear Aligners! I share exclusive insights, practical tips, and industry news that will help you take your Clear Aligner game to the next level - delivered straight to your inbox every week! Sign up below!

Read more from Get Clear Insights Straight to Your Inbox
video preview

I have had this conversation more times than I can count. A doctor reaches out. They joined a DSO two years ago. They were told they would have clinical autonomy, a supportive team, and real income growth. They were told the organization cared about doctors. Then the first major business decision came down the line. And the doctor was not in the room. This is the most common friction point I hear. Not because DSOs are inherently bad. But because there is a gap between what gets promised...

7 days ago • 4 min read
video preview

There is a moment that happens in almost every aligner case. The patient leaves your office motivated. They have their trays. They know the rules. Twenty-two hours a day. Remove to eat. Clean before reinserting. And then real life happens. They grab lunch at their desk. They do not have a toothbrush. So they rinse with water, put the tray back in, and keep going. Happens at dinner. Happens at happy hour. Happens every single day for the length of their treatment. You already know what that...

14 days ago • 4 min read
video preview

When I was in dental school, success looked like one thing. Own a practice. Fill your schedule. Build a loyal patient base. Work hard for 30 years. Retire. That was the plan. That was what we were all quietly working toward. Nobody told me that owning a practice would feel like running a small business with no business training. Nobody told me that insurance reimbursements would keep shrinking while overhead kept climbing. Nobody told me I would be working harder than I ever imagined and...

21 days ago • 4 min read