Trends in the Development of the Dental Service Organization Model: Implications for the Oral Health Workforce and Access to Services

The fastest growing segment of the dental delivery system is Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). While DSOs take various forms, as large employers of dental providers, they are changing the landscape of oral health care delivery. OHWRC conducted a survey of a convenience sample of DSOs and compiled case studies of 6 dental support organizations delivering general or specialty dental services to patients. This mixed-methods study examined the variety of DSO models, who they serve, their workforce needs and practices, career pathways provided, and evolving models of workforce deployment.