SALT Dental Partners

What SALT Dental Partners does

SALT Dental Partners is a privately held, PE-backed Dental Support Organization (DSO) founded in 2019 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with a secondary headquarters opened in Franklin/Nashville, Tennessee in July 2025. The company partners with established pediatric dentistry, orthodontic, oral surgery, and select general dentistry practices, providing centralized administrative services including IT, HR, accounting, marketing, compliance, recruiting, revenue cycle management, and growth strategy while partner doctors retain clinical autonomy, equity, and their local brand identity. The company's core operating model is a partnership/partial-equity structure rather than full buyout, governed by a 12-member Doctor Leadership Board and 8-member Clinical Advisory Board.

SALT's portfolio spans 197 practice locations across 20 U.S. states, comprising 84 distinct partner brands, 285 affiliated doctors, and 1,879 support team members, collectively serving 401,003+ active patients. The company grew approximately 300% on a geographic basis over a two-year period, expanding from 5 states to 20 states and from 51 to 197 practice locations. Growth has been executed through a dual-track approach: tuck-in partnerships with high-performing practices (averaging 15+ new partnerships in 2025 alone) and de novo clinic openings. SALT's primary proprietary technology asset is "Traction," a data-driven analytics tool tailored to each practice specialty that supports operational and clinical performance benchmarking.

The company's go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting owner-doctors of mid-market specialty practices (typically 2-15 doctors, multiple locations) seeking to monetize their practice while offloading administrative burden. Revenue is generated via recurring management fees on contracted practice revenue under individually negotiated partnership terms; specific pricing is not publicly disclosed. Leadership includes CEO Dylan Bates (appointed January 2023, previously scaled a physical therapy platform to 800+ locations), CFO David Pallaschke (formerly CFO/President of BrightStar), CSO Josh Yelsey (former CFO and Chief Growth Officer at peer healthcare platforms), CIO Craig York, COO Mark Schodrof, and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Tony Paventy. SALT has earned consecutive Becker's Dental + DSO Review "DSOs to Know" recognition in 2025 and 2026.

Name

SALT Dental Partners

Legal name

Salt Dental Partners

Website

https://saltdentalpartners.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

SALT Dental Partners is a PE-backed Dental Support Organization founded in 2019 that partners with pediatric, orthodontic, and oral surgery practices across 20 U.S. states, providing centralized administrative services while preserving partner doctor equity and brand autonomy across 197 practice locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental Support Organization (DSO) Services

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (62121)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Dental Support Services Organizations (Non-Clinical MSO/Back-Office Platforms) (HLABAKAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regional/Multi-Region DSO Platforms (Aggregators) (HLABAKAK), Multi-Specialty DSOs (General + Specialty Networks) (HLABAKAA)

Keywords

• Dental support services
• Pediatric dental care
• Orthodontic practice management
• Oral surgery support
• Dental practice operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. DSO Management Fees and Support Services: SALT Dental Partners generates revenue as a Dental Support Organization by providing comprehensive administrative services (operations, marketing, IT, HR, accounting, compliance, recruiting, growth strategy) to affiliated dental practices. The company leverages private equity backing to provide capital for growth and acquisitions while partner doctors maintain clinical autonomy and equity.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SALT Dental Partners is a Dental Support Organization (DSO) that partners with established pediatric dentistry, orthodontic, oral surgery, and general dentistry practices to provide centralized administrative services — including IT, HR, accounting, marketing, compliance, recruiting, and growth strategy — while partner doctors retain clinical autonomy, local brand identity, and equity. SALT also licenses a proprietary data-driven analytics tool called Traction that delivers specialty-tailored insights to improve practice performance and patient care.

Product overview

SALT Dental Partners is a premier Dental Support Organization (DSO) offering a platform model that partners with top-tier pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry practices. The company provides centralized administrative support including IT systems management, human resources, accounting, marketing, growth and strategy, risk management and compliance, talent acquisition, and team training and development. The portfolio consists of 84+ partner brands across 197+ practice locations in 20 states, with partner practices retaining their local brand identities while benefiting from SALT's operational infrastructure and a proprietary analytics tool called Traction.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dental Support Organization (DSO) Partnership Services Centralized administrative support services for affiliated pediatric dentistry, orthodontic, oral surgery, and general dentistry practices, including IT, HR, accounting, marketing, compliance, recruiting, and growth strategy. The offering allows partner doctors to retain clinical autonomy, equity, and local brand identity while gaining access to scaled operational infrastructure and growth capital.
• Traction A proprietary data-driven analytics tool tailored to each practice's specialty that delivers insights to improve key performance metrics and the quality of patient care, helping drive organic growth across partner practices.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300% geographic expansion growth in 2 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Haeger OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026Two-doctor orthodontic group serving Greater Seattle market across two locations. Partnership adds density in SALT's established Washington region alongside Cascadia Kids Dentistry, Kirby Nelson Orthodontics, Pristera Orthodontics, Seattle Kids Dentistry, and Cascadia Smiles Orthodontics. Represents SALT's 14th partnership in Washington and 7th partnership of 2026.
• Hampton Oral & Facial SurgerycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2026Three-surgeon oral surgery practice serving greater Norfolk and Virginia Beach market in Virginia. Led by Dr. Brad Trotter, Navy Veteran with over 20 years of community service. SALT's 5th oral surgery partnership and 4th partnership of 2026. Creates continuity of care with Weis Dental and Orthodontics family.
• Berkeley & Orinda OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Six-doctor orthodontic group operating across three locations in Northern California. Led by Dr. Paul Kasrovi, active in professional organizations and teaches at UCSF and University of the Pacific. Partnership builds density alongside ISong Orthodontics and Hoybjerg Orthodontics. SALT's 6th California partnership and 5th partnership of 2026.
• Julia Cerny, DMD, PLLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Single-doctor adult practice serving Greater Albany market in New York. Dr. Julia Cerny joins Sitwell Dental and will serve as catalyst for Sitwell Dental's expansion into Latham, NY with new location. SALT's 3rd partnership in New York and 3rd partnership of 2026.
• Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Founded in 1976, multi-location specialty practice with 5 locations and 13 providers offering pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care. One of the first pediatric dentistry practices established in Suffolk County, NY. Led by Dr. Phillip Coniglio. SALT's 2nd New York partnership and 1st partnership of 2026.
• Brick Pediatric DentistrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025Pediatric dental practice serving families across central New Jersey. Led by Dr. Seymour Semah with consistent growth and strong reputation for compassionate care. Two-doctor practice. SALT's 3rd partnership in New Jersey, 1st pediatric partnership in state, and 11th new partnership in 2025.
• Parker Orthodontics & Yakima OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025Two-location orthodontic practice serving Central Washington communities of Ellensburg and Yakima. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Joseph Parker with one associate. SALT's 12th partnership in Washington, 1st in Central Washington, and 12th new partnership of 2025.
• Howard OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 August 2025Single-doctor, two-location orthodontic practice in Lancaster, Pennsylvania founded in 2002. Led by Dr. Eric Howard who teaches 3D planning in orthodontics at University of Pennsylvania. SALT's 2nd partnership in Pennsylvania, 1st orthodontic partnership in state, and 10th new partnership of 2025.
• Riverdale Park Pediatric DentistrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2025Pediatric dental practice founded April 2021 by Dr. Hojung Cho (Cornell, UPenn, UMD residency). Five doctors serving one location with commitment to underserved community. SALT's 2nd partnership in Maryland, 1st pediatric partnership in state, and 9th new partnership in 2025.
• Lineberry OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 August 2025Trusted orthodontic care across Southwest Idaho with two locations in Boise and Mountain Home. Led by Dr. Laura Lineberry. SALT's 8th partnership of the year and 6th brand in Greater Boise market.
• Empire Dental Specialty GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2025Founded 2010 by Drs. Rush Davidson and Sheenu Goel Davidson. Eight doctors serving patients across two multi-specialty locations in Greater Dayton, Ohio area. Known for integrated, high-quality specialty care. SALT's 2nd Ohio partnership and 5th in 2025.
• Must Love Kids Pediatric DentistrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2025Pediatric dental practice in Vancouver, WA founded 2012 by Drs. Monisha Gagneja and Prashant Gagneja. Recognized for fun, patient-focused approach and strong community reputation. SALT's 2nd Southern Washington partnership and 6th partnership of 2025.
• Sitwell DentalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 May 2025Multi-specialty dental group founded 2018 by Drs. John and Tiffany O'Brien. Nine doctors across four clinical locations in Albany, Clifton Park, Malta, and Saratoga Springs, NY with one support hub. Marked SALT's entry into 20th U.S. state and 4th partnership of 2025.
• Robinson OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025One-doctor, one-location orthodontic practice in Grants Pass, Oregon sharing building with Timber Kids Dentistry. Led by Dr. Jon Robinson. SALT's 2nd orthodontic practice in Southern Oregon and 3rd partnership of 2025.
• Pediatric Dental AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025Two-doctor, two-location pediatric dentistry practice in Salem and Albany, Oregon. Led by Dr. Jay Vaikuntam and associate Dr. Mitch Westberg. SALT's 3rd pediatric brand in Oregon alongside Corvallis Kids Dentistry and Timber Kids Dentistry, and 2nd partnership of 2025.
• Kirby Nelson OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Orthodontic practice founded in 2000, serving families across Maple Valley and Enumclaw, Washington with two locations. Known for clinical excellence and deep community ties. SALT's 13th partnership in Washington and 15th partnership of 2025.
• MyKidsDDScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 June 2024Four-doctor, single-location multi-specialty practice (Pediatric, Ortho, OMS) in Dallas, TX serving patients for over 30 years. Led by Dr. Cohen. SALT's first Pedo, Ortho, and OMS office.
• Dental Kidz ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2024Twelve-doctor, eight-location pediatric dental practice in greater Los Angeles area. Launched 2009. Led by Daniel Byun (President), Dr. Jihee Chun (CMO), and Allis Cha (IT/payroll/HR lead). SALT's largest partner practice to date.
• Bayou Children's Dental CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2024Three-doctor, one-location pediatric practice in Houma, LA (New Orleans suburb) founded 2004 by Dr. Cavallino. Only pediatric dentist in area for first 19 years. Expanded to include Dr. Paige Gaudet, Dr. Nicole Boxberger, and Practice Manager Angie Rogers. Entered 16th state.
• All Kids Dental Pediatrics and OrthodonticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2024Six-doctor, four-location practice in Colorado Rocky Mountains founded 1998. Led by Dr. Paul Allen, Dr. Casey Johnson, and Business Director Bryson Allen. Entered 15th state.
• Bethesda Chevy Chase Oral SurgerycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2024Two-doctor, one-location oral surgery practice led by Dr. Jarred Abel and Dr. Neel Patel. SALT's first oral surgery partnership and entry into 13th state.
• Cute Smiles 4 KidscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2024Eleven-doctor, two-location pediatric and orthodontic practice founded 2009 by Dr. Kenneth Scott in Phoenix, AZ. Led by managing partner Sherry Scott after Dr. Scott's passing in 2020. 57 total locations after this partnership.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dental Care Alliance: Multi-specialty DSO supporting ~400+ practices across general dentistry and specialties. Competes for partnership deals and has overlapping geographic coverage.
• Heartland Dental: The largest US DSO supporting ~1,700+ dental offices across general dentistry and multiple specialties. Most direct competitor for partnership targets and capital in the DSO space.
• Pacific Dental Services (PDS): Large multi-specialty DSO supporting hundreds of practices including general, specialty, and pediatric dentistry. Competes head-to-head for specialty practice partnerships.
• Aspen Dental / Aspen Group: Major multi-specialty DSO with a national footprint focused on general dentistry, dentures, implants, and clear aligners. Direct competitor in the partnership M&A market.
• MB2 Dental: Doctor-owned DSO with several hundred partner practices across general and specialty dentistry. Closest competitor on the 'doctor-led' positioning and multi-specialty model.
• Smile Doctors: The largest orthodontics-focused DSO in the US. Directly comparable in the orthodontic specialty vertical where SALT has built significant density.
• Western Dental & Orthodontics: Large multi-specialty DSO with a strong pediatric and orthodontic footprint across the western US. Overlaps with SALT in California and western states.
• Great Expressions Dental Centers: Multi-specialty DSO with significant pediatric and orthodontic offerings in the eastern and southeastern US. Overlaps with SALT in Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

Emerging players

• Affordable Care / Affordable Dentures & Implants: DSO focused on dentures, implants, and extractions with ~400+ affiliated practices. Specialty-focused DSO comparable to SALT's niche strategy.
• Beacon Oral Specialists: Oral and maxillofacial surgery-focused DSO. Directly comparable to SALT's oral surgery vertical expansion across states like Virginia, Maryland, and Texas.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SALTDentalDSO
• Facebookfacebook.com/saltdentalpartners
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/salt-dental-partners
• Instagraminstagram.com/salt_dental_partners

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about SALT Dental Partners