Dentistry is experiencing an attack by well-funded corporations who want to own the work of each dentist’s hands. While the promises of wealth and ease DSO’s present to owner-dentists appear enticing, experience shows the reality is very different. Just Say No to the DSO is a deep dive podcast for dentists in all stages of their career. It is especially for those who are looking at whether or not the option to sell to a DSO is the right choice. Our expert hosts, Bob Spiel, MBA and Nate Williams, CPA, CFP take listeners on a step by step journey through Season One laying out the realities of selling a practice to a DSO and why this isn't as good as it sounds, or the only option for successful dentists to have a thriving practice. Come and listen for the years of experience inside dentistry, as well as medicine, that have led to their logical arguments and stay for additional audience and listener feedback.
Questions you’d like addressed live in future episodes can be sent to: questions@justsaynotothedso.com
Let's start the discussion on how to save the future of the Dental Industry.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
Debriefing Dr. Whitney Weiner: Hype, Arbitrage, and the Icon Pitch
#26 trending · Medicine
In this episode of Just Say No to the DSO, hosts Bob and Nate debrief their recent conversation with Dr. Whitney Weiner, an influential periodontist and Chief Growth Offi
Oct 16 38 min
Billy Madison Energy: Dissecting Chip’s Walmart-and-Recession Pitch
Nate and Bob open this episode of Just Say No to the DSO by dissecting a recent email from broker Chip Fitchner that treats Walmart’s quarterly numbers and the next reces
Sep 28 36 min
The Fox in the Henhouse: Chip Fichtner, Fear, and Greed
Bob Speil and Nate Williams open with the starfish principle—one doctor who doesn’t sell is worth the whole podcast—then analogize DSO dealmaking to Big Tobacco: a fortun
Sep 4 52 min
Two Sides of the Issue with Dr. Whitney Weiner
In this episode, Dr. Whitney Weiner shares her journey from private practice to joining ICON Dental Partners, discussing the motivations, challenges, and industry insight
Aug 15 57 min
Clawing His Way Back Out with Dr. Brad Langley
This is a special Just Say No episode with a dentist who entered into a DSO and realized it was the wrong way forward for himself as his patients. Dr. Brad Langley recoun
Aug 1 53 min
Sticking To Your Principles with Dr. Stephanie Klasner
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Klasner shares her journey through the dental industry, her experiences with DSO models, and her insights on ethical practice and ownership
Jul 27 56 min
Tumbling Down In a Pile of Lawsuits with Dr Mike Davis
In this episode, Dr. Michael Davis discusses the pitfalls of DSO affiliations, legal settlements, and the importance of ethical practice in dentistry. He highlights recen
Jul 6 24 min
Did We Mention a House of Cards? with Dr Mike Davis
This episode features Dr. Mike Davis discussing the complex financial restructuring of major DSOs like Dental Care Alliance and Affordable Care, revealing the risks for d
Jul 3 51 min
A Listener Case Study on Selling Your Practice
As a dental professional, you may wonder about the implications of selling your practice to a DSO versus a private buyer. In this episode it's case study time as we delve
Jun 18 32 min
It All Starts Right Here with Dr. Brendan Gallagher
We've looked at serveral dentists deep into their careers and gone over how a DSO doesn't really make sense...what about the doctor with all of the promise in the world o
Jun 3 1 h 02 min
Now, The DSO Will Make Your Equity...Disappear
This episode exposes the realities behind DSO equity and why selling to a DSO often results in less financial benefit than expected. There is a magic trick all DSOs are t
May 12 25 min
Sometimes It Pays To Listen To Your Better Half with Dr Mike Crockett Part 2
Starting a dental practice can be daunting, but with the right insights and support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Mike and Christy Crockett, who have navigated th
May 1 44 min
Sometimes It Pays To Listen To Your Better Half with Dr Mike Crockett Part 1
Starting a dental practice can be daunting, but with the right insights and support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Mike and Christy Crockett, who have navigated th
May 1 45 min
Unmasking the DSO Deal: What Every Dentist Must Know
This episode exposes the hidden truths behind DSO deals in dentistry, revealing how dentists are often financially fleeced through complex deal structures. Bob and Nate b
Apr 19 36 min
A Smooth Voice From the South With Dr Travis Nixon
In this in-depth interview, a blue blooded Tar Heel, Dr. Travis Nixon shares his insights on the rise of DSOs, legislative challenges, and how dentists can protect their
Apr 14 56 min
Who Works For Who? 6 DSO Tricks Most Dentists Don't See
This episode explores the six fundamental principles that reveal why DSO deals are detrimental to dental practitioners. Hosts Bob and Nate dissect the realities of privat
Mar 27 25 min
Sage Wisdom is Hard to Come By These Days with Dr. Michael W. Davis
summary
In this episode, Dr. Michael W. Davis shares critical insights into the private equity influence on dentistry, the risks of DSOs, and how dentists can protect th
Mar 25 1 h 10 min
Away Game with the Orthodontic Pearls Podcast and Nate Williams
Nate sits down with the Orthodontic Pearls podcast in order to give his take on owning your own practice and why to stay away from selling out to PE and DSO groups. It's
Mar 17 1 h 27 min
The Emperor Has No Clothes
This episode features a candid discussion on the realities of DSOs in dentistry, highlighting industry failures, ethical concerns, and the importance of dentists making i
Mar 12 33 min
Right Up to the Edge and Back with Dr. Joe Feller
In this conversation, Nate and Dr. Joe Feller discuss the complexities and challenges faced by orthodontists when considering selling their practices to DSOs. Dr. Feller
Feb 28 1 h 19 min
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#61
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Chart positions
Where Just Say No To The DSO ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 19, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
This is a podcast by dental cpa’s/advisors who care about the profession. This is information you just won’t find everywhere. Certainly Dentists who own their practice and are nearing the back 9 of their career need to listen to this.
My only critique is the podcasters need to share a little more about them on the podcast website. I may need them !
Middle Age Dentist · Apr 2025
As a practicing dentist of over 33yrs- I am looking into all options of how to potentially finish my career.Non stop DSO mailings have peaked my interest as I begin to weigh my options on how to sell my practice. This podcast has opened my eyes to many of the pitfalls and deceiving practices of the DSO’s. A well done program with useful insights consistently.
Kappy340 · Apr 2025
Great podcast with helpful insights into the pros and cons of selling to a DSO. Would recommend it to any dentist. It is interesting to see the mask pulled off of private equity.
Spi0802 · Sep 2024
This is a great podcast providing information that is valuable to any practice owner but very important for those approached by DSOs or have considered selling to a DSO. DSOs have the money and the resources to push their product, this podcast does a great job offering a counter argument to the DSO sales pitch.
ANK TN · Jul 2024
This firm appears to focus primarily on serving small, single-location dental practices. Based on our experience and direct communication with Ryan Millar, CFP, we were informed that their services are not designed to support dentist-owned groups with multiple owners or multiple locations.
At a time when DSOs and private equity firms are increasingly acquiring independent dental practices, it’s unfortunate to see a firm decline to support 100% dentist-owned groups who are working to maintain control and ownership within the profession. Their business model seems to be geared toward smaller practices that do not have growth-oriented structures or aspirations.
While the firm’s founder, Nate Williams, hosts a podcast offering financial advice to dentists—often emphasizing the importance of remaining independent and avoiding DSOs—it’s important to note that their services appear to be tailored to solo practitioners, not to more sophisticated or growth-minded dental groups.
In summary, if you’re a solo dentist planning to maintain a single-location practice, this firm may be a good fit. However, for those pursuing a group practice model or aiming to scale while preserving dentist ownership, you may need to explore alternative advisors better aligned with your vision and level of complexity.
Based on these facts it’s difficult to believe they have any insight into the complexities that dental owners are facing in a consolidating industry outside their own self interests.
Concerned DDS · Sep 2025
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Just Say No To The DSO, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
