DSO Spotlight
Dentist-owned DPO posts standout growth against a stagnant dental acquisition market and scales its leadership team to match, reinforcing the case for a partnership model built by dentists, for dentists
Rising Tide Dental Partners (RTDP), one of the nation’s largest dentist-owned Dental Partnership Organizations, today announced the partnership and integration of six new Ohio dental practices into its network, a move that increases the organization’s total revenue by 15% and expands its geographic footprint by 22%. The growth comes at a time when dental practice acquisition activity nationally has remained largely flat, underscoring the strength of the dentist-led model and its appeal to independent practice owners evaluating their next chapter.
Rising Tide Dental Partners was launched in February 2025 and was established by 15 founding partner dentists. Built on the principle that a rising tide lifts all ships. Rising Tide also operates The Anchor Point, a private operator network for independent dental practice owners.
Unlike traditional models where outside investors dictate strategy, Rising Tide’s founders are also its leadership. The company’s executive team and board of directors are composed entirely of dentist-entrepreneurs who have built successful practices and are committed to advancing the field.
With this expansion, RTDP now operates 33 locations across 11 states, including Ohio, which joins the network for the first time. The growth arrives against a broader industry backdrop in which dental practice acquisition volume has cooled, with many private equity-backed dental organizations slowing deal activity amid tighter capital conditions and growing skepticism among independent owners about giving up control. The RTDP structure — ownership and governance held entirely by practicing dentists — has positioned the organization as an alternative for practice owners seeking growth and operational support without the trade-offs associated with traditional private equity-backed consolidation.
“The dentists who joined and helped found Rising Tide weren’t looking for an exit, they were looking for a better way to operate and help to elevate their practice. The same can be said for this latest group of practices joining our network. When a practice owner sees a path to growing stronger without giving up what they built, that’s when our model makes sense. We’re thrilled to have found more practices aligned with our vision and continue to have conversations with dentists looking for a new way to partner and grow.” — Dr. Steve Albert, Founder & Executive Chairman, Rising Tide Dental Partners
The newly integrated practices will gain access to shared operational infrastructure and an unmatched peer network of fellow owner-operators. They’ll realize these benefits all while retaining the clinical and brand identity that built each practice’s reputation in its community.
“Adding six practices and growing revenue 15% is something we’re proud of, but what excites me more is what happens next. When a practice joins Rising Tide, they gain access to the operational infrastructure, vendor leverage, and financial visibility that most independent owners have never had. That’s same-store growth waiting to be unlocked. We’re not just acquiring practices — we’re making every practice in the network stronger through a bespoke partnership process and ongoing attention to detail in their operations.” — Dr. Anthony Leonetti, Founder & CEO, Rising Tide Dental Partners
Brittany Dellagatta
To support its expanding footprint, RTDP is also investing in the leadership team responsible for delivering that promise. The organization today announced the appointment of Brittany Dellagatta as Chief Operating Officer. Dellagatta brings more than two decades of dental industry experience spanning practice ownership, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and executive leadership. Since joining, she has been instrumental in leading operational initiatives, supporting practice integrations, and building the infrastructure needed to scale a rapidly growing organization — all while serving as a trusted partner to doctors and support teams across the network.
“What excites me most about this opportunity is helping build an organization that truly puts doctors and their teams first. I’ve owned and operated practices myself, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for dentists to maintain their voice and their autonomy. We believe dentistry should remain in the hands of dentists — our role is to provide the operational support and resources that let doctors focus on delivering exceptional patient care, not to dictate how they practice. I’m excited to help build something where doctors feel supported, empowered, and able to grow while preserving everything that made their practices great.” — Brittany Dellagatta, Chief Operating Officer, Rising Tide Dental Partners
RTDP continues to evaluate partnership opportunities with independent practice owners nationally as part of its broader growth strategy for 2026 and beyond. The addition of Ohio marks the organization’s continued expansion into the Midwest, a region the RTDP team is actively focused on — and where conversations with aligned practice owners are already underway.
