As an orthodontist considering the next step for your practice and your career, whether that’s growth, succession planning, or reducing the admin burden, your algorithm is likely feeding you a lot about Dental and Orthodontic Support Organizations (DSOs/OSOs). With new organizations popping up and more models available than ever, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your options.
But here’s the truth: not all DSOs are the same. And in 2026, after years of inflationary pressure, economic shifts, and increased competition, it’s more important than ever to slow down and dig a little deeper into who you’re partnering with and why.
Start with the Right Questions
Most conversations cover the basics:
- Who owns the organization—private equity or doctors?
- What support services are included?
- Will I retain control over patient care, my practice brand, and my team? How are these decisions made?
- Is there a clear plan for succession or for new doctor mentorship?
All good questions, but here’s the one we think matters most right now:
“What have you done to support your doctors and practices through tough times?”
Because how they’ve responded to obstacles and challenges has a way of revealing what really matters to an organization. Their values, their priorities, and how they show up when growth isn’t easy.
“When the economy got tough, we didn’t just hunker down, we doubled down on our doctors. That’s what makes us different. We lead with real partnership, not profit.” — Dr. Paul Helpard, Founder & Strategic Advisor at Corus
What Corus Did: Doubled Down on Support
When inflation peaked in 2022 and 2023, Corus made a deliberate choice: we paused acquisitions.
Instead of chasing growth for growth’s sake, we invested in strengthening our infrastructure and made impactful changes to our support model. After our first initial years of successful growth, we went back to our Doctor-Partners and asked a simple question: What needs to be better?
Then, we got to work and reinvested accordingly.
We focused on:
- Enhancing operational support for doctors and their practice teams
- Upgrading technology and systems for efficiency
- Deepening leadership development and mentorship programs
- Building best-in-class doctor transition pathways, from early mentorship to thoughtful, well-planned exits
Why? Because our partners are also our owners and always will be.
That pause in acquisitions gave us room to focus on growing organically and building resilience to weather any upcoming economic storm. We are one of the only partnership networks with practices spanning both Canada and the U.S., which means greater scale where it counts. We use that to our advantage when it comes to securing supplies from top vendors, recruiting top talent, and supporting our doctors where they need it most.
A Quick Primer on DSO/OSO Models (without the jargon!)
If you’re unfamiliar, let’s recap the most common types of support organizations out there:
- Traditional DSO
Private equity owned. You sell your practice, stay on as an associate, and earn a salary. Clinical autonomy is limited, and the DSO holds the patient records. - Strategic Affiliate
You retain ownership and pay a fee for support services. Some autonomy remains, and there’s usually an option to convert to full DSO later. - Loosely Affiliated Dental Organizations (LADOs)
These offer collective buying power without centralized support. Business autonomy is high, but integration and consistency may be lacking. - Alternative Models (like ours)
Doctor-owned, specialty-led, and built for collaboration. You buy into something bigger instead of cashing out. Patient relationships and local clinical leadership remain with you. And when the time comes to step back, you’re transitioning within a network that knows the ins and outs of your practice, your team, and your patients.
Why Our Model Resonates in 2026
At Corus, almost every single shareholder is a practicing orthodontist.
You retain ownership of your patient records and leadership of your team while also becoming part of a collaborative network. Our partnership network is majority doctor-owned (over 90%) and led by our Doctor-Partners.
“We’re not here to ‘sell you’. We’re here to see if we’re the right fit for where you want to go next and ensure you’ve got the right mindset to join our network. It’s about alignment, not acquisition.” — Adam Pollack, Director of Business Development
It’s not just about profit. It’s about impact and building something that lasts.
Rather than flipping practices for investor returns, we focus on building long-term sustainable value together. Our Doctor-Partners participate in quarterly, practice-level cash profit sharing, receive a meaningful cash component at the outset of the partnership with Corus, and benefit from network-wide share price growth. Along the way, they help shape the future of the specialty. For many, that also means having real choices later on, whether that’s taking a gradual step-back, pursuing an internal succession, or executing a well-timed exit that reflects the vision they helped build as a true partner.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Ultimately, the best organization for you is one that shares your values, supports your goals, and proves through actions, not just fancy pitch decks, that your success is their priority.
So, when you’re exploring your options, make sure to ask:
- “Who owns this organization?”
- “What kind of decisions do Doctor-Partners get to make?”
- “How have you supported your practices through economic uncertainty?”
- “What’s your long-term plan, and how do I benefit from it?”
- “Is there a clear, proven path for succession, mentorship, and eventual transition when the time is right?”
Because the right partner isn’t just helping you grow today. They need to help you protect your legacy and plan for your ideal future.
We’re here when you’re ready.
Whether you’re in the middle of your career, just getting started, or beginning to think about what legacy you want to leave, Corus offers a model built for your future, not just ours.
Let’s find out if we’re the right fit for you.
Connect with us today.
