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    Dental buying groups explained: How strength in numbers helps independent practices

    Dec. 14, 2020
    In this video, Dr. Chris Salierno interviews Kevin Burniston of Unified Smiles about the power of dental buying groups. In addition to saving money on purchases of materials, buying groups can help independent dentists compete in a changing world.

    As times change, independent dentists face new challenges to compete with large practice groups, including dental support organizations (DSOs). In this video, Dental Economics Chief Editor Chris Salierno, DDS, interviews Kevin Burniston of Unified Smiles to understand how dental buying groups work and why they can provide a sound return on investment.

    As Burniston explains, some dental buying groups offer services beyond cost savings on purchases of materials and equipment. They can provide valuable consulting support in the areas of vendor selection and systems development. Moreover, they can support practices during chaotic times, such as they have done during the COVID-19 pandemic to help secure PPE.

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    About the Author

    Chris Salierno, DDS | Chief Dental Officer, Tend

    Chris Salierno, DDS, is a general dentist from Long Island, New York. He graduated from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2005. Dr. Salierno lectures internationally on clinical dentistry, practice management, and leadership development. In 2017 he became a chief development officer with the Cellerant Consulting Group, and he was the chief editor of Dental Economics from 2014 to 2021. In 2021, he became the chief dental officer at Tend. He can be reached on Instagram @the_curious_dentist.

    Updated May 13, 2022