The Verified Independent Program
Stand out as independently owned.
Patients are increasingly aware of DSO consolidation. The Verified badge is your signal to them that your practice is exactly what it claims to be: independently owned, operated by a dentist, and free from corporate oversight.
Apply for VerificationWhat you get as a Verified member
A followed link
Free listings get rel="nofollow". Verified members receive a fully followed link to their website — a meaningful SEO signal that communicates trust.
Embeddable badge SVG
Display the Verified Independent badge on your own website. We provide an SVG file and embed code so your patients see your verification status directly.
Featured placement
Verified practices appear above free listings in city and state search results. Patients searching your market will see you first.
Quarterly re-verification
We re-run all 12+ signals every quarter. You receive a certificate of independence with each renewal — documentation you can share with patients.
How verification works
Automated pass
Your NPI record and public data are run through our 12+ signal screening. Practices that pass automatically are eligible to apply.
Document review
You submit a practice ownership attestation and any supporting documents. Our team reviews within 5 business days.
Badge issued
Once approved, your listing is upgraded and you receive your badge files, embed code, and first certificate of independence.
Frequently asked questions
What if I get flagged incorrectly?
Our automated screening can produce false positives. If your practice was incorrectly flagged, email us at hello@doctorowned.org with your NPI and a brief explanation. We manually review every dispute within 3 business days.
How often is re-verification run?
Automated signal re-screening runs monthly in alignment with CMS NPI data updates. Verified members receive a full document-based quarterly re-verification. If anything changes in your signal profile, we notify you before making any changes to your listing.
Can I lose my Verified status?
Yes, but only under defined circumstances: if new signals emerge suggesting DSO affiliation, if you do not respond to a re-verification request within 30 days, or if a dispute investigation confirms a change in ownership structure. You will always receive notice before any change is made to your listing.