Rock Dental Brands: How to Choose the Right DSO

The Burleson Box: A Podcast from Dustin Burleson, DDS, MBA

In this episode, Dustin Burleson sits down with the powerhouse leadership team behind Rock Dental Brands to answer one of the most pressing questions in modern dentistry and orthodontics: How do I avoid choosing the wrong DSO?

You’ll hear directly from CEO Kristi Casey, Chief Development Officer Spencer Lunghino, and Co-Founder Dr. Mark Dake as they share a transparent look into the origins, philosophy, and strategic direction of Rock Dental Brands. Together, they bust myths around private equity, clinical autonomy, and growth timelines—and reveal what doctors should really be asking before joining a DSO.

If you're a dentist, orthodontist, or specialist considering your next move, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn:

• The real story behind private equity in dentistry—where the money comes from and how it works
• Why not all DSOs (or equity structures) are created equal
• How Rock Dental Brands evolved from a doctor-led support model to a nationally respected DSO
• The biggest myths around clinical autonomy, ownership, and growth
• Why Rock's equity model is designed to treat doctors fairly—and how that differs from joint ventures
• How to reverse-engineer a smart partnership decision using Charlie Munger’s “invert and avoid” philosophy
• What questions to ask during DSO due diligence (and how to avoid future regret)

Key Quotes:

“We were built to be proud of the work we’re doing 50 years from now." —Dr. Mark Dake

“You're not giving up control of your practice. You're gaining part of 110 practices.” —Kristi Casey

Connect with Our Guests:

• Spencer Lunghino – [email protected]
• rockdentalbrands.com

Resources Mentioned:

• GreyFinch Practice Management Software
• DentiCon by Planet DDS
• Vistria Group – Private equity partner of Rock Dental Brands

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to The Burleson Box on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support helps us bring powerful conversations like this to more listeners in healthcare leadership.

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