Dental Advocacy Group

What Dental Advocacy Group does

Dental Advocacy Group (DAG) is a private healthcare services company that operates a proprietary PPO dental network (PFS Dental Network) and a credentialing automation platform (propelAIQ) to help independent dental practices increase insurance reimbursement rates and reduce administrative burden. Founded in 2015 by retired dentist Dr. Joseph Fendall Outten and his daughter Mary Cornelia Outten, the company is headquartered in Atlanta with operational roots in Greenville, South Carolina. Its core product, PFS Dental Network, aggregates member practices under a single contract, single credentialing application, and unified fee schedule to access over 40 market-leading insurance carriers, including Aetna, Ameritas, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, and United Healthcare, with fee schedules that are 20-30% higher than typical direct-contracting rates.

The company's technology stack centers on two proprietary assets: PFS Dental Network, which provides the contractual layer and aggregated carrier access, and propelAIQ, a credentialing automation platform targeting solo practitioners through large group practices and DSOs. Supporting the core platform are five service modules addressing PPO practice optimization, start-up practices, associate hiring and retention, practice acquisitions, and fee-for-service transitions, plus a proprietary fee schedule analysis tool that diagnoses network sharing and payment downgrading across the practice's contract portfolio. Distribution relies on a partner referral ecosystem of 30+ dental suppliers, transition brokers, billing services, and consultancies, supplemented by direct sales through revenue experts and account managers.

DAG generates revenue primarily through subscription-based membership fees for participation in PFS Dental Network, with customers practicing in the U.S. community-dentist segment. Pricing is not publicly disclosed but follows a freemium lead-generation model (a complimentary 10-question practice assessment) followed by quote-based annual subscriptions. The company claims an average annual revenue increase of $115,000 per member practice, with case studies documenting increases ranging from $81,000 (solo practice acquisitions) to over $1,008,000 (multi-provider practices). Headcount sits in the 11-50 range, with executive leadership including a President/CFO, COO, three VPs, and the founder family. The company has not disclosed external funding, ownership beyond the founding family, or financial figures.

Name

Dental Advocacy Group

Legal name

Dental Advocacy Group

Website

https://dentaladvocacygroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dental Advocacy Group operates a proprietary PPO dental network and credentialing platform that helps independent U.S. dental practices access 40+ insurance carriers under a single contract. It serves SMB community dentists including solo practitioners, start-ups, group practices, and DSOs with revenue optimization and credentialing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental Insurance Network Services

NAICS

Pharmacy Benefit Management and Other Third Party Administration of Insurance and Pension Funds (524292)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Dental PPO Networks (HLAEANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dental Support Services Organizations (Non-Clinical MSO/Back-Office Platforms) (HLABAKAN), Dental Benefit Administration (DBA) & ASO/TPA for Dental (HLAEAIAJ)

Keywords

• Dental insurance network
• PPO network services
• Dental revenue optimization
• Dental credentialing services
• Dental practice management

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Insurance Network Membership/Participation Fees: Dental practices pay to join the PFS Dental Network, gaining access to over 40 insurance plans through a single contract with higher fee schedules than direct contracting. The company generates revenue by helping practices achieve better reimbursement rates and handles credentialing/enrollment.
2. Administrative Services (Credentialing & Enrollment): Full-service credentialing and insurance enrollment management. The account management team handles completion of contracts, applications, submission, tracking, monitoring, and progress reporting for dental practices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dental Advocacy Group helps dental practices increase revenue and simplify insurance contracting through its proprietary PFS Dental Network, which provides access to over 40 insurance plans (Aetna, Ameritas, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, United Healthcare) via a single contract, single credentialing application, and unified fee schedule that pays 20-30% higher than direct contracting. The company delivers full-service credentialing, enrollment, fee schedule analysis, and ongoing account management. Its propelAIQ platform automates provider credentialing for practices ranging from solo practitioners to large group practices and DSOs.

Product overview

Dental Advocacy Group is a dental revenue optimization company that operates as a platform combining a proprietary PPO network (PFS Dental Network) with comprehensive service offerings. The core product is the PFS Dental Network, which provides access to over 40 insurance plans through a single contract and unified fee schedule. Supporting this core network are multiple service modules: PPO Practice Services for established practices seeking better fee schedules, Start-Up Practice Services for new dental offices, Associates Services for practices hiring and retaining dentists, Acquisition Services for dentists buying existing practices, and Fee for Service Growth Services for out-of-network practices transitioning to participate. Additionally, the company offers propelAIQ, a credentialing automation platform, and a complimentary Practice Assessment tool to evaluate revenue opportunities. The company also maintains educational content through blog posts covering dental insurance participation, fee schedule analysis, network sharing, and practice transitions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PFS Dental Network: A PPO network created by Dental Advocacy Group that provides access to over 40 market leading insurance plans including Aetna, Ameritas, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife and United Healthcare. Offers one contract, one credentialing application and one fee schedule.
• propelAIQ

Products and services

• PFS Dental Network A proprietary PPO network that provides dental practices access to over 40 market-leading insurance plans (including Aetna, Ameritas, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, and United Healthcare) through a single contract, single credentialing application, and one unified fee schedule that pays 20-30% higher than typical direct contracting rates. Designed for dental practices seeking higher reimbursements and simplified insurance administration.
• propelAIQ A credentialing automation platform that simplifies and improves provider credentialing for dental practices, from solo practitioners to large group practices and DSOs, by combining innovative technology with industry relationships to remove administrative barriers and protect valuable time.
• PPO Practice Services Revenue optimization services for existing PPO practices to increase fee schedules while reducing total number of contracts, maintaining in-network status with the same insurance companies.
• Start-Up Practice Services Comprehensive insurance enrollment and contracting support for new dental practices, enabling enrollment in major insurance plans under a single contract with fee schedules higher than typical market rates.
• Associates Services Practice positioning services to help dental practices compete for and retain quality Associates by offering compensation packages enabled by higher reimbursement fee schedules.
• Acquisition Services Insurance contracting and enrollment support for dentists acquiring existing practices, including coordination and management of credentialing applications with higher than market reimbursement rates.
• Fee for Service Growth Services Transition support for fee-for-service practices seeking to grow by gaining in-network status with insurance plans without sacrificing profitability through deep discounts.
• Dental Fee Schedule Analysis Analysis service that reviews contracted fee schedules and revenue sources to diagnose practice performance, identify effective discounts, network sharing issues, and provide specific recommendations for increasing revenue.
• Practice Assessment A complimentary no-obligation assessment (approximately 10 questions, 3 minutes to complete) that evaluates practice situation, goals, and revenue opportunities to determine how Dental Advocacy Group can help.

Quantifiable outcome

• $115,000 average annual practice revenue increase
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Nashville DentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental supply company that refers clients to Dental Advocacy Group as part of their customer service offering. Listed as a referral source in practice assessment forms.
• Atlanta Dental SupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental supply company that serves as a referral source for Dental Advocacy Group services. Listed in 'How did you hear about us' options for new client inquiries.
• Goetze DentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental supply company that refers customers to Dental Advocacy Group. Listed as a referral source in practice assessment intake forms.
• Midwest DentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental supply company serving as a referral partner for Dental Advocacy Group. Mentioned in client testimonials and referral tracking.
• AIDA (Aesthetic Implant Dental Association)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrade organization that refers members to Dental Advocacy Group services. Listed as a referral source in assessment forms.
• SmileSourceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental partnership organization that refers member practices to Dental Advocacy Group. Listed as a referral source in practice assessments.
• Provider PartnershipminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental network partner that collaborates with Dental Advocacy Group on insurance provider services.
• Dental Claim SupportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental billing and claims support company. Featured in interview on Dental Advocacy Group blog, indicating collaborative relationship in serving dental practices.
• Venture PracticesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPractice transition consulting firm. Ben Shaver, Venture Practices, interviewed Michael Ingram from Dental Advocacy Group on their podcast to discuss insurance solutions for dental practices.
• Mommy Dentists in Business (MDIBS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganization supporting female dentists in business. Listed as a referral source for Dental Advocacy Group in practice assessment forms.
• First Citizens BankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial institution serving dental practices. Listed as a partner in the Our Partners section, potentially referring practice financing clients to DAG.
• Your Dental RecruiterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental recruiting firm that refers clients to Dental Advocacy Group for revenue optimization services.
• DDSmatchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental practice transition firm. Listed as a partner, referring dentists buying or selling practices to DAG for insurance contracting support.
• Prospa BillingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental billing service company featured as a partner. Likely collaborates on integrated solutions for dental practice revenue management.
• Polaris Healthcare PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare consulting firm. Listed as a partner in the Our Partners section.
• Practice Life DentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental practice management resource. Listed as a partner, potentially referring clients to Dental Advocacy Group.
• KleerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental membership plan platform. Listed as a partner and referral source in the website footer.
• Edson DentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDental practice. Listed as a partner in the Our Partners section.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Weave Communications: Weave is a customer communications and payments platform purpose-built for small and mid-sized dental and medical practices. It is comparable to DAG because it serves the same community dental practice buyer with revenue-cycle adjacent products and competes for the same practice technology budget.
• Dental Intelligence: Dental Intelligence is a leading dental practice analytics SaaS platform that benchmarks production, collections, and patient data to identify revenue opportunities. It is comparable to DAG because both monetize diagnostic insights into practice revenue performance, although Dental Intelligence focuses on analytics software while DAG focuses on network access and credentialing.
• Henry Schein One (Demandforce / Lighthouse 360): Henry Schein One bundles practice management software, patient communication, marketing, and revenue-cycle tools for dental practices. It is comparable to DAG as a broad incumbent that touches insurance, patient engagement, and operational efficiency — competing for the same practice technology and services budget.

Emerging players

• Lasso MD: Lasso MD (formerly SmartBox Web Solutions) provides dental practice marketing and patient acquisition solutions. It is comparable to DAG because it operates as a horizontal partner in the dental practice growth ecosystem and shares overlapping customer segments (independent PPO and fee-for-service practices) that value patient acquisition and profitability.
• Modento: Modento is a dental patient communication, scheduling, and digital workflow platform. It is comparable to DAG as a growth-stage technology vendor serving community dental practices, addressing administrative friction that connects to insurance and revenue cycle workflows.

Direct peers

• Sikka Software: Sikka Software offers a dental practice optimization platform connecting with PMS/EHR systems to surface revenue, insurance, and patient insights. It is comparable to DAG because both build data-driven products that help dental practices recover revenue from insurance reimbursements and inefficient administrative workflows.
• MGE Management Experts: MGE Management Experts provides dental practice management consulting, training, and coaching focused on profitability and operational performance. It is comparable to DAG because both serve community dental practices seeking to improve practice revenue and operations, addressing similar pain points around insurance, overhead, and growth.
• iCoreConnect: iCoreConnect (formerly iCoreExchange) provides cloud-based healthcare administrative and credentialing software to providers and payers. It is comparable to DAG because both target provider credentialing workflows — particularly propelAIQ in DAG's case overlaps directly with iCoreConnect's automated payer enrollment and credentialing technology.
• Kleer (Membersy): Kleer (now Membersy) operates a dental membership and insurance plan platform that helps independent practices design and administer in-office membership plans. It is comparable to Dental Advocacy Group because both target community dental practices with revenue-optimization products that bypass traditional PPO discount erosion; the companies are also listed as referral partners.
• Provider Advantage / Dental Network of America (DNA): Dental Network of America (DNA) and similar dental PPO network operators run leased/affiliated dental PPO networks similar in concept to PFS Dental Network. They are comparable to DAG because they sit between dental practices and major insurance carriers, packaging network access and credentialing in a way that directly overlaps PFS Dental Network's core offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dental-advocacy-group
• Xx.com/dentaladvocacy
• Facebookfacebook.com/dentaladvocacygroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Dental Advocacy Group