The Smilist Dental

What The Smilist Dental does

The Smilist Dental is a dental support organization (DSO) operating 115+ affiliated dental practice locations across eight Northeast US states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia). Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Great Neck, NY, the company provides comprehensive dental services spanning general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery. Its go-to-market operates on two parallel tracks: a B2C patient acquisition model through direct-to-consumer channels (NexHealth online booking, broad insurance acceptance across Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, BCBS, MetLife, Guardian, and United Healthcare, and CareCredit/Alphaeon financing), and a B2B practice affiliation model targeting independent dentists seeking retirement transition, administrative relief, or growth capital through partnership.

The technology stack is built on standard dental and healthcare SaaS infrastructure rather than proprietary AI or machine learning systems. Core technology includes digital X-ray systems, advanced dental imaging, online patient management, the Pearly digital billing platform (supporting Apple Pay, Google Pay, Microsoft Pay, ACH transfers, and Pay Over Time installments), NexHealth real-time appointment booking integration, and the Smilist ONE membership platform with six subscription tiers ranging from $20/month (Child Plan) to $75/month (Family Plan) plus a $599/year periodontal plan. The company accepts most major dental insurance plans and offers financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon.

The Smilist generates revenue through three primary streams: per-procedure dental services across its location network (transaction-fee model), recurring Smilist ONE membership subscriptions, and managed-services fees from affiliated dental practices for marketing, recruiting, IT, and operational support. The business is backed by healthcare-focused private equity firm Zenyth Partners, secured a $285 million debt facility from Wingspire Capital, and has executed 30+ affiliations in two years including the 2024 acquisitions of Simply Beautiful Smiles (23 practices) and Lakeview Dental Care, plus the 2025 acquisitions of Inspire Dental Group (3 locations) and BrookBeam Dental (16 locations). Leadership transitioned in May 2025 with Axel Lapica appointed CEO, succeeding Andrew Mintz.

Name

The Smilist Dental

Legal name

The Smilist Management, Inc.

Website

https://thesmilist.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Smilist Dental is a private, PE-backed dental support organization operating 115+ affiliated dental practices across eight Northeast US states, offering comprehensive general, cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic, periodontic, endodontic, and oral surgery services to individual and family patients while affiliating with independent practice owners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental Care Services (Dental Support Organization)

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (62121)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

General Dentistry Group Practices (HLABAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regional/Multi-Region DSO Platforms (Aggregators) (HLABAKAK), Membership/Subscription & Direct-Pay General Dentistry Practices (HLABAAAI)

Keywords

• Dental care services
• Dental support organization
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Orthodontic services
• Dental membership plans

Headquarters

HQ city

Great Neck

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Dental Services Revenue: Revenue generated from comprehensive dental care services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery across their network of 115+ locations
2. Smilist ONE Membership Program: Monthly and annual subscription fees from dental membership plans ranging from $20-$75/month for individuals, couples, and families, plus $599/year for periodontal patients. Includes enrollment fees and automatic recurring billing.
3. Affiliation/Partnership Model: The company generates revenue by providing business services to affiliated dental practices, including marketing, recruiting, IT support, and operational assistance in exchange for practice affiliations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Smilist Dental operates a network of 115+ affiliated dental offices across eight Northeast US states delivering comprehensive dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic, periodontic, endodontic, and oral surgery care. The company supports patient affordability through the Smilist ONE in-house dental membership program (plans from $20–$75/month) and third-party financing via CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. It also functions as a Dental Support Organization, affiliating with independent practices to provide marketing, recruiting, IT, RCM, and operational support.

Product overview

The Smilist Dental is a dental support organization (DSO) operating as a unified platform of dental practices across the Northeast. The portfolio consists of 115+ affiliated dental office locations across 7 states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia), providing comprehensive dental services under one umbrella. The core offering includes seven specialty service categories: General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, and Oral Surgery. Supporting the clinical services is the Smilist ONE Membership Program, an in-house dental membership plan with multiple tiers (Individual, Couple, Family, Parent + Child, Child, and Perio) that provides affordable access to preventive care and specialist services without insurance requirements. Additionally, the company offers dental financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit partnerships. The company was founded in 2014 and operates as a portfolio company of Zenyth Partners, having completed 30 affiliations over two years and securing a $285 million debt facility for continued growth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Encore Dental: Dental care brand operating multiple locations in New Jersey including Jackson, Lacey, Shrewsbury, and Toms River.
• Smilist ONE

Products and services

• General Dentistry Services Routine dental care including TMJ injections, dental cleanings, emergency dentistry, preventative dentistry, and tooth-colored fillings for patients of all ages.
• Cosmetic Dentistry Services Aesthetic dental treatments including smile makeovers, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, prosthodontics, and dental bonding to improve smile appearance.
• Restorative Dentistry Services Dental restoration procedures including dentures, dental fillings, bridges, crowns, All-On-4 dental implants, and full mouth reconstruction to restore functionality and appearance.
• Orthodontics Services Teeth straightening treatments including traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners, provided by certified orthodontists at The Smilist.
• Periodontics Services Gum and supporting tissue treatments including dental implants, scaling and root planning, soft tissue grafting, and bone grafting procedures.
• Endodontics Services Root canal treatments and other procedures involving the dental pulp to save damaged or infected teeth.
• Oral Surgery Services Surgical dental procedures including tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and TMJ disorder treatment.
• Smilist ONE Membership Program In-house dental membership program offering affordable access to dental care with plans starting at $30/month (and a $20/month Child plan). Provides comprehensive exams, digital X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, emergency exams, specialist consultations, and member-only rates on procedures with no deductibles or maximums.
• Dental Financing Options Flexible payment options through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit for patients to finance dental procedures not covered by insurance, with no-interest and low-interest financing available, subject to credit approval.

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BrookBeam DentalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2025Regional Dental Partnership Organization with 16 locations across New York's Hudson Valley and Capital Region that affiliated with The Smilist in May 2025.
• DC AdvisorycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 22 May 2025Investment banking firm that served as exclusive financial advisor to BrookBeam Dental on its sale to The Smilist. DC Advisory's seventh dental sector deal in two years.
• Inspire Dental GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 20253-location multi-specialty group practice operating in Buffalo, NY that affiliated with The Smilist, expanding The Smilist into Western New York.
• Hirshberg Wozny Dental Care & Hirshberg Dental Associates of BostoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2024Two Massachusetts dental offices that affiliated with The Smilist marking expansion into the state of Massachusetts.
• Polaris Healthcare PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2024Healthcare advisory firm that facilitated the sale of Lakeview Dental Care of New Jersey to The Smilist in a multimillion-dollar transaction that resulted in 30% valuation increase for the seller.
• Burr & FormanminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 September 2024Professional services firm that provided deal support for the Lakeview Dental Care transaction to The Smilist.
• Eide Bailly LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 30 September 2024Accounting and advisory firm that provided deal support for the Lakeview Dental Care transaction to The Smilist.
• NexHealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline appointment booking platform integrated into The Smilist website enabling patients to book appointments in real-time at any Smilist location.
• PearlycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital billing and payment platform enabling online bill payment, digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Microsoft Pay), ACH transfers, and Pay Over Time installment options.
• CareCreditcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare financing company providing zero-interest and low-interest financing options for dental procedures not covered by insurance.
• Alphaeon CreditminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare credit program providing financing options for dental treatments with flexible payment plans.
• Simply Beautiful SmilescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner23 distinguished dental practices in the Simply Beautiful Smiles footprint affiliated with The Smilist, including expansion into Maryland.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheSmilistDental
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-smilist-dental
• Instagraminstagram.com/thesmilist
• TikToktiktok.com/@thesmilistdental
• Xx.com/thesmilist

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Smilist Dental