The 5 states where DSOs added the most in August. By: Cameron Cortigiano From a $64 million acquisition to the entering of new states, DSOs and dental groups were active in their network expansions during August. These five states saw at least two DSO moves in August, as reported by Becker's, including practice openings, acquisitions and affiliations. Note: This list is not exhaustive. * Henderson, Nev.-based PDS Health opened two de novo practices in Florida. * Chicago-based Aspen Dental opened a new location in Punta Gorda, Fla. * Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental opened a practice location in Clermont, Fla. The DSO also acquired nine practices in Florida from Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry. * Little Rock, Ark.-based Rock Dental Brands partnered with TLC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Tampa, Fla. * Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental affiliated with Denta Smiles in Coral Springs, Fla. North Carolina * Aspen Dental opened new practices in Selma, N.C., and Elkin, N.C. * Franklin, Tenn.-based Specialized Dental Partners added a North Carolina endodontic practice to its network. * Roseville, Minn.-based Park Dental Partners agreed to acquire Fayetteville, N.C.-based Village Family Dental DSO in a deal worth up to $46M. * Heartland Dental opened Parkview Center Dental Care in Clayton, N.C. * PDS Health opened Babcock Modern Dentistry in San Antonio. * Heartland Dental opened Dental Care at Harvest in Argyle, Texas. * Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Imagen Dental Partners added Laughlin Dental in Pasadena, Texas. * PDS Health opened Kuna (Idaho) Modern Dentistry. * Sacramento, Calif.-based Straine acquired Bird Dental Studios, its first practice in Idaho. Rhode Island * Sharon, Mass.-based Qualitas Dental Partners added a general dentistry practice in Central Rhode Island to its network. * Salt Lake City-based Nuvia Dental Implant Center opened its first location in Rhode Island. At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now. Wednesday, September 30 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT Presenters: Raju Siva, Medusind|Adam FitzGerald, Medusind Next up in DSO + dpms. * Lone Peak Dental Group acquires 4 Alabama offices Englewood, Colo.-based Lone Peak Dental Group has acquired four Vital Smiles pediatric dental and orthodontic practices in Alabama. The acquisition... By: Ariana Portalatin * Imagen Dental Partners adds Illinois practice Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Imagen Dental Partners has added an Illinois practice to its network. The dental partnership organization affiliated with Eric... By: Ariana Portalatin * 8 DSOs making headlines Here are eight DSOs that have made headlines in the last week: 1. Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental launched Conuity Care... By: Ariana Portalatin

Heartland Dental has launched Conuity Care Coordination, a platform designed to improve connectivity between general dentists and specialty providers throughout patients' treatment journeys. The service addresses a significant gap in dental care, where only 15% to 30% of patients follow through on recommended specialty treatment referrals. The platform combines technology with care coordination services to manage the entire specialty care process, from initial referral through scheduling, treatment and follow-up. It aims to strengthen collaboration between providers and help patients maintain continuity of care. Heartland Dental, the largest dental support organisation in the US, operates across 1,900 locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company is majority owned by investment firm KKR.

Heartland Dental reaches 2,000 supported dental offices, expanding its doctor-led culture and support model nationwide. By Heartland Dental Nation's largest dental support organization expands its doctor-led culture and support model while providing access to comprehensive business, technology, continuing education, and administrative resources. EFFINGHAM, IL., Oct. 21, 2026/PRNewswire/ - Heartland Dental, the nation's largest dental support organization, has reached 2,000 supported dental offices, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to expanding access to its doctor-led culture and support model nationwide. The milestone builds on decades of growth rooted in a simple idea: doctors should retain full clinical discretion over patient care and be able to focus on delivering high-quality dental care, with access to world-class business and administrative support behind them. Heartland Dental began with a single dental practice and, by the end of 2025, had grown to support more than 1,900 practices across 38 states and the District of Columbia. "Reaching 2,000 supported offices is exciting because it represents more doctors and teams with access to support that helps them build successful practices, serve patients and make a difference in their communities," said Pat Bauer, President and CEO of Heartland Dental. "As we grow, we remain committed to our mission of supporting doctors and their teams so they can deliver the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities they serve." Comprehensive Support Built Around the Dental Office Heartland Dental's support model is designed to help supported doctors and their teams spend more time focused on patients and less time managing administrative demands. Supported offices have access to extensive non-clinical capabilities across operations, human resources, recruiting, marketing, technology, supplies and labs, payroll, credentialing, finance, and learning and development. Across its 2,000 supported offices, Heartland Dental supports over 10,000 doctors and hygienists. Through Heartland Dental University (HDU), supported doctors and team members have access to extensive education and development opportunities. Year to date in 2026, HDU offered 1,542 continuing education courses, with 118,389 courses completed. Importantly, Heartland Dental's support model is built around supported doctors' retaining full clinical autonomy and responsibility over patient care. Heartland Dental's teams provide non-clinical administrative assistance designed to help supported offices address the business and administrative challenges of operating a dental practice. Growth with Purpose Heartland Dental has built its supported footprint through a multi-mode growth strategy that includes collaborating with supported practices to open de novo offices in growing, high-need markets while also affiliating with established solo practices, groups and DSOs whose doctors also share Heartland Dental's commitment to a doctor-led culture. "Our growth strategy has never been about growth for growth's sake. It is about expanding access to a support model that helps doctors and teams thrive, whether through building new practices in growing communities or welcoming established practices that share our values. There is tremendous opportunity ahead to continue growing responsibly and bring Heartland Dental support to even more doctors," said Mark Greenstein, EVP and Chief Growth Officer of Heartland Dental. Year to date in 2026, Heartland Dental has added more than 106 supported offices, including 55 de novo practices. Strategic affiliations, including the affiliation with Foundation Dental Partners, expanded Heartland Dental's doctor-led culture and support model to 51 additional supported offices. As Heartland Dental moves beyond 2,000 supported offices, the company remains focused on strengthening the infrastructure, technology, learning opportunities and administrative services available to supported doctors and teams, while continuing to preserve the doctor-led culture and support model that has been central to the organization throughout its growth. About Heartland Dental Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services. What started from the entrepreneurial spirit of Rick Workman, DMD, with his single dental practice, has evolved into affiliating with over 3,200 doctors in over 2,000 locations across 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company is majority owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. For additional information, please visit heartland.com. Media Contact: Jessica Thompson Vice President of Communications [email protected]