How We Detect DSO Ownership
Our screening uses 10+ signals derived from public data sources. We explain each one here so any practice can understand — and dispute — how they were classified.
No single signal is conclusive. Our algorithm weighs signal combinations and confidence tiers to produce a final independence determination. Practices with low-confidence flags but no HIGH-confidence signals are listed as independent pending further review.
NPI keyword match
HIGHPractice name fields are checked against a curated list of known DSO brand names, suffixes ("Dental Partners", "SmileBrand", "One Dental"), and corporate naming patterns. A match triggers a HIGH-confidence DSO flag.
NPI domain match
HIGHThe website URL listed in the NPI record is resolved and checked against a registry of known DSO web infrastructure. Practices using a DSO patient portal as their primary web presence are flagged.
AO phone clustering
HIGHThe phone number of the Authorized Official (AO) is checked to see if it is shared across 5 or more separate NPI records. Central DSO operations often use a single phone number for all practices under management.
AO title
MEDIUMThe Authorized Official title is analyzed for corporate roles ("Regional Director", "VP of Operations", "Chief Dental Officer"). These titles are inconsistent with an independently practicing owner-dentist.
SSL SAN enumeration
MEDIUMSSL Subject Alternative Names (SANs) reveal which domains share a certificate. DSOs frequently issue a wildcard or multi-domain certificate across all practice websites. If a practice's domain appears on a certificate with 10+ other dental practice domains, a DSO flag is raised.
WHOIS registrant
MEDIUMDomain registration records are checked for known DSO registrant names, registrant organizations, and registrar accounts associated with corporate dental groups. Practices with privacy-protected WHOIS receive a LOW-confidence flag for further review.
OpenCorporates registered agent
LOWThe practice name and authorized official name are cross-referenced against OpenCorporates records. Known DSO registered agents (law firms and corporate agents used exclusively by PE-backed dental groups) trigger a LOW-confidence flag.
SBA PPP data
LOWSBA Paycheck Protection Program loan data is publicly available. Loans associated with known DSO parent companies or holding entities that list dental practices as subsidiaries are used as a corroborating signal.
Out-of-state mailing
HIGHThe NPI mailing address is compared to the practice location state. A mailing address in a different state — particularly in states commonly used for corporate registration (DE, NV, WY) — is a strong DSO signal when combined with other flags.
Enumeration date clustering
MEDIUMThe NPI enumeration date (when the NPI was issued) is checked against known DSO acquisition waves. When a large number of practices in a region were enumerated within the same 30-day window, it suggests a bulk corporate registration rather than individual clinician enrollment.
How to dispute a classification
Our automated system can produce false positives, especially for practices that share infrastructure with an unrelated business, use a practice management company, or have a name that contains common DSO keywords by coincidence.
To dispute a classification, email disputes@doctorowned.org with:
- ›Your NPI number
- ›The specific signal(s) you believe are incorrect
- ›A brief explanation of why the signal is a false positive
- ›Any supporting documentation (ownership articles, dental license, etc.)
We review all disputes within 3 business days. Verified members receive priority dispute resolution. Learn about the Verified program →