What happens when a state dental board introduces rules that could fundamentally change how DSOs support dental practices?
In this special breaking-news episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Andrew Smith, CEO of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), and Steve Bilt, Co-Founder and CEO of Smile Brands, about Colorado’s newly adopted dental-board rules and the ADSO’s legal challenge.
The conversation explores the practical effect of restrictions on DSO-held leases and clinical equipment, as well as the potential disciplinary exposure for dentists whose arrangements are deemed noncompliant. Andrew and Steve explain why they believe the rules exceed the dental board’s authority and could create serious financial burdens for dentists already operating under established support arrangements.
They also discuss the wider implications for patient access, affordability, Medicaid participation, clinical autonomy, capital investment, and the future of the DSO model nationwide. With the rules scheduled to take effect in January 2027, the episode examines the legal and legislative paths ahead—and why every DSO operator should be paying attention.
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