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 shares his personal journey in orthodontics, his experiences with DSOs, and the reasons he ultimately decided against selling his practice. The discussion highlights the emotional and financial stakes involved in such decisions, the misleading nature of DSO promises, and the consequences faced by colleagues who chose to sell. The conversation serves as a cautionary tale for practitioners contemplating similar paths. In this conversation, Nate and Dr Feller discuss the implications of private equity in dental practices, particularly focusing on the challenges and stressors faced by orthodontists who sell their practices to DSOs. They explore the false promises of wealth and ease, the reality of corporate meddling, and the importance of maintaining ownership and control over one's practice. Dr. Feller shares insights on the emotional toll of selling a practice and the value of community and support among private practitioners. The discussion culminates in a call to prioritize patient care and ethical practices over financial gain.