Dentistry Unmasked: Is a DSO your best first job?

July 11, 2023

New dentists have so many options when it comes to first jobs. In this episode of Dentistry Unmasked, we talk DSO stereotypes, finding a mentor, and what to know before signing anything!

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD,

David R. Rice, DDS,

Amrita R. Patel, DDS, FICD, FPFA

When dentists are looking for their first opportunity, what drives them to say yes and commit to a particular practice? We invited Drs. Lauren McDonough and Amrita Patel to discuss whether a DSO is the best move for a new dentist. We cover an array of topics, including: are the DSO stereotypes fact or fiction, moving for love, finding an effective mentor and what to do before signing anything!

Special guests

Lauren McDonough, DMD, is the vice president of practice owner development for Aspen Dental. She previously owned several practices in the Aspen Dental network and now uses her experience to help guide other Aspen Dental doctors on their ownership journey. Lauren earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from UNH and DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. IG: @dr_laurenmcdonough

Amrita R. Patel, DDS, FICD, FPFA, graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2011 and completed her residency at the Nassau University Medical Center. She is a general dentist in private practice with her father, endodontist Dr. Rohit Z. Patel, in Westchester County, New York. She chaired the New York State Dental Association New Dentist Committee and served as the new dentist representative on the ADA’s Council on Dental Benefit Plans for 2020-21. She is also among the recipients of the 2021 ADA 10 Under 10 Awards. IG: @thedramri

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD | Chief Editor

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

David R. Rice, DDS

David R. Rice, DDS, is founder of the nation’s largest student and new dentist community, igniteDDS. Dr. Rice travels the world speaking and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. In addition to igniteDDS, Dr. Rice maintains a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York.

Read Dr. Rice's DE Editorial Advisory Board profile here.