SGA Dental Partners: A Regional Powerhouse in GP and Specialty Dental Care

Differentiating SGA Dental Partners in the Market

SGA Dental Partners distinguishes itself from other DSOs through its unique regional hybrid model, combining general practice (GP) and specialty services with a deep focus on the Southeastern U.S. Instead of spreading thin across a wide geographic area, SGA Dental adopts a strategy of going deeper into markets where it operates. This approach has allowed the organization to build a strong network of over 600,000 active patients across its eight-state footprint.

The organization’s growth strategy involves complementing its existing GP practices with specialty services in the same regions. This model not only enhances patient care but also taps into the untapped potential in secondary markets throughout the Southeast. By prioritizing depth over breadth, SGA Dental has positioned itself as a regional powerhouse, offering comprehensive dental services that cater to the unique needs of its communities.

Strategic Acquisitions, and De Novo Growth: SGA Dental Partners has adopted a balanced approach to growth, combining organic growth with strategic acquisitions and de novo practices. Since the start of 2022, the organization has achieved ten consecutive quarters of year-over-year organic growth driven primarily by volume increases, with same-store sales growth reaching 8% in 2023—four times the industry average.

In terms of inorganic growth, SGA Dental focuses primarily on acquisitions, targeting offices with strong clinical leaders and untapped potential for growth. These opportunities often arise in markets where existing patient demand exceeds current supply capacity. SGA Dental methodically pursues expansion projects with partner offices, expanding physical footprints and recruiting additional clinical staff to meet previously unmet demand.

De Novo practices are established when there is a clear need within a community, strong demographic indicators of potential success, and a qualified dentist available to provide care. SGA Dental’s deep regional knowledge, gained through its existing partnerships and proprietary data systems, allows the organization to make informed decisions about where to establish new practices.

For both acquisitions and De Novo practices, SGA Dental has a disciplined approach to integrating new practices into the platform, making sure that they benefit from the full breath of SGA Dental’s resources and are best prepared for growth. SGA Dental has honed this approach over the years using Thurston Group’s growth playbook which emphasizes strong systems and processes as a foundation for sustainable growth.