Affordable Care
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Blackstone
What PE Will Likely Do
Shorter dental appointments with dentists seeing 25-40% more patients per day to maximize revenue per provider
Reduced specialist referral rates as general dentists are pressured to handle complex procedures (root canals, extractions, implants) in-house to capture revenue
Deferred replacement of dental equipment including X-ray machines, chairs, and sterilization equipment leading to longer wait times and potential safety concerns
Shift from experienced dentists to recent graduates or dental school debt-forgiveness program participants willing to accept lower compensation
Aggressive upselling of elective cosmetic procedures (veneers, whitening, Invisalign) with commission-based pressure tactics on front desk staff
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements about 'expanding access to quality dental care' and 'investing in technology'; initial staff departures of senior dentists who recognize PE playbook; subtle increases in new patient promotional pricing to drive volume
“6 to 12 months months”
First wave of practice closures in Medicaid-heavy markets; implementation of centralized scheduling reducing local office autonomy; introduction of productivity metrics and bonus structures tied to procedure volume
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in appointment availability for existing patients; longer waits for emergency care; shift to lower-cost dental materials (composite resins, generic implants); patient complaints about rushed appointments increase
“24 to 48 months months”
High dentist turnover with practices staffed by rotating locum tenens or new graduates; deferred equipment maintenance leads to more frequent appointment cancellations; rumors of sale or restructuring begin
“48 to 60 months months”
Potential breakup and sale of practice clusters to regional dental chains or DSOs; remaining practices potentially rebranded under new ownership; patient records and continuity of care disrupted
What You Can Do
Actions
Request and retain complete dental records, including X-rays, immediately—transitions between DSO ownership frequently result in record access delays or losses
Verify your specific dentist's employment status and tenure before scheduling major procedures; high turnover means your provider may change without notice
For ongoing treatment plans (orthodontics, implants, periodontal care), confirm in writing that the quoted price is locked and will not increase due to 'facility fee' additions
Compare cash prices against your insurance explanation of benefits—PE-owned practices sometimes inflate submitted charges while offering 'discounts' that still exceed fair market rates
Seek second opinions for any recommended treatment exceeding $1,000, particularly for crowns, root canals, or periodontal surgery where overtreatment incentives are strongest
Alternatives
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses