Bank Lender vs. Growth Partner:
What DSOs Get Wrong
Episode 54
Key Revelations:
The cheapest loan isn't always the best financing strategy—your banking structure needs to support your growth plan.
DSOs can avoid costly debt "cleanup" by bringing the right banking partner into the strategy early.
A strong banking platform can help with more than lending—including treasury management, fraud prevention, associate ownership, and real estate.
As DSOs grow, financial responsibilities should move beyond individual office managers and become centralized and systemized.
The right financial partners don't just provide capital—they bring a network of experts who can help DSOs scale.
The Banking Mistake That Can Follow Your DSO for Years
Josh McSpadden, Mid Market Healthcare Group Banker at U.S. Bank, reveals why DSOs don’t just need a lender—they need a banking partner who understands the strategy behind their growth.
After working with dental groups since 2015, Josh exposes a costly mistake many emerging DSOs make: choosing financing based on the lowest rate instead of building the right financial infrastructure from the beginning. The result? Complicated debt, inefficient cash management, and expensive cleanup when the DSO finally hits its next stage of growth.
"What's the most common mistake DSOs make right before trying to sell?"
💡 The “Ask Ken” Question:
Ken's answer: They fail to clearly define and communicate their vision for the business. Buyers want to see why a DSO is positioned for future growth—not just how much EBITDA it produces today. Instead of simply trying to squeeze more EBITDA out of the business, leaders should build the systems, infrastructure, and strategy that create long-term value and make the organization attractive to potential buyers.
AVAILABLE ON
(E.2) Why High-Multiple Exits Are Bankrupting Dental Practices - AJ Peak, Health Wealth Capital
(E.6) Are Dentists Selling Out Their Entire Industry? - Mike Baird, Accelerate Dental
(E.45) How to Profit Without Dropping Insurance - Angie Hopper, Premier Dental Center
Top 3 Episodes Of The Dental Truth Project. Listen Now!
'Roll the Equity - How Smart Dental Founders Sell Their DSO'
Learn how sophisticated dental founders navigate a DSO sale
Selling your DSO is one of the most consequential decisions of your career. Roll the Equity: How Smart Dental Founders Sell Their DSOs is the playbook for founders who want to approach private equity transactions with clarity — not guesswork.
NEW BOOK - IT'S OFFICIALLY LIVE ON AMAZON
Ask Ken
Got a burning question about dental finance?
Submit your question and it could be featured in a future episode of The Dental Truth Project.
Be A Podcast Guest
Got a truth the dental industry needs to hear? We want you on our podcast!
Contact
(435) 554-8826
contact@accrudent.com
AccruDent is a leading provider of innovative financial solutions, dedicated to empowering businesses with the tools and insights needed to drive growth and efficiency.