I Built a DSO the Hard Way — Here's What I'd Do Differently | Dr. AJ Acierno

The 3 Promises Every DSO Should Make Before You Sign | Dave Gaspar

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. They also get into the real conversation around AI adoption in group practices, what the next generation of dentists gets right (and wrong) about grinding, and why social media is the most underutilized tool in the DSO playbook. If you're a dentist considering a DSO partnership, or already in one, this episode is worth your full attention. The tools and resources mentioned are linked below — use them. Sponsors for the episode: SprintRay Midas: https://info.sprintray.com/midas-podcas [https://info.sprintray.com/midas-podcast]; OrthoBrain: https://orthobrain.co/ClearAlignerAdvisor ; [https://orthobrain.co/ClearAlignerAdvisor]Neer: http://getneer.com/patel [http://getneer.com/patel]; Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/ [https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/] Connect with Dave Gaspar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-gaspar-2a930311/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-gaspar-2a930311/]

Why Oral Care Hasn't Innovated in 50 Years — Until Now | Gulshan Kumar

What happens when a serial CPG entrepreneur meets a disrupting dentist — and they start building together? In this episode, Dr. Avi sits down with Gulshan Kumar, CEO and co-founder of Swishables, the portable mouthwash brand disrupting oral care. From his roots building Pathwater to identifying a massive white space in dental wellness, Gulshan breaks down how curiosity, strategy, and imagination drive real innovation. They go deep on why oral care has lacked innovation for decades, how Swishables fits into both DSO and solo practice models, and what dentists can learn from the CPG playbook. Plus: why education kills imagination — and how to get it back. If you're a dental professional thinking beyond the chair, this one's for you. 🦷 Try Swishables for your practice:https://getswishables.com/pages/dental [https://getswishables.com/pages/dental]Use code AVISWISH for 10% off 📈 Scale your aligner revenue with Clear Aligner Advisor:https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/ [https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/] 🔗 Connect with Gulshan: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshan-kumar-b23900b6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshan-kumar-b23900b6/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulshanjaikumar [https://www.instagram.com/gulshanjaikumar]

I Built a DSO the Hard Way — Here's What I'd Do Differently | Dr. AJ Acierno

Dr. AJ Acierno built a 27-location dental group while still practicing four days a week, and he's not sugarcoating what that actually took. In this episode, he breaks down why dentistry is falling from within, what standard of care really means in today's climate, and how AI is reshaping diagnostics and accountability. He also shares the leadership lessons he learned the hard way scaling Decision One Dental before merging with Smile Brands, where he now serves as Chief Dental Officer. If you want to understand where dentistry is headed, and what it takes to lead in it, this one's for you.

Hard Truths About DSOs | Brian Colao

Brian Colao has spent 31 years at the intersection of law and dentistry — and in that time, he's watched the DSO industry go from a misunderstood concept to the most powerful force reshaping the profession. In this episode, Brian breaks down why most dentists still don't know how to leverage technology for same-store growth, what the biggest mistake is when selling a practice (hint: it's not the price), and how he went from being turned away at every conference to building the industry's premier event from scratch. If you're a dentist, DSO leader, or anyone navigating the business side of dentistry, this one's worth your full attention. Brian's event, Dykema DSO, is happening July 15–17 in Denver. Use code PODCAST300 at registration for $300 off. Register here: dykemadso.com/conference [http://dykemadso.com/conference]

Your Office Manager Can't Save You. Here's What Can. | Craig Iott

Most dentists are great clinicians. Nobody taught them how to run a business. Dr. Avi sits down with Craig Iott, operational consultant to 200+ businesses , to break down why dental practices feel chaotic, and what to do about it. They cover systems, DSO mistakes, shiny object syndrome, and why your personal brand matters more than ever. If you own a practice or plan to, this one is worth your time. Craig Iott: www.allsolutions.consulting [http://www.allsolutions.consulting] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-iott/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-iott/] Dr. Avi: @Doctor.Avi | clearaligneradvisor.co [ clearaligneradvisor.co] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor [www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor]