The former Schulman Study Group announced it has re-formed as a Dental Support Organization (DSO). Now formally known as SSG Management LLC, and informally as “SG,” the organization is independently owned by its members. According to a press release from the company, each member orthodontist has an equal share in this orthodontic DSO. Members of SG are reportedly among the top 2% of orthodontic specialists who practice in the United States. Collectively, the 134 SG members have 282 practice locations and annual revenues of $400 million.

In making the change, SG is positioning itself to offer additional benefits, including competitive pricing on c-suite level practice services, to a greater number of members. In addition, the new orthodontic DSO offers manufacturers, consultants, and service providers in the orthodontic/dental space an opportunity to be actively involved with SG.

“Becoming a DSO elevates SG, enabling ‘next level’ solutions for clinicians and their practice management needs,” according to Robert James Bray, DDS, MS, the organization’s president and CEO, who practices in New Jersey. “We were founded more than 30 years ago on the principle of ‘success through sharing.’ Our members navigate an ever-changing marketplace through the exchange of real-world clinical experience and practice management expertise. Sharing begets success.”

In the spirit of continued support of the specialty of orthodontics, Bray notes that each SG member is asked to become a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAOF) Keystone Society. Individuals who include the AAOF in their estate plans are considered Keystone Society members.

Bray leads the SG Board of Directors, comprised of eight orthodontists who practice throughout the United States.

“Deep-rooted relationships form the core of SG,” says Kirsten Romani, DMD, who is chair of the organization’s New Members Committee, and practices in Rhode Island. “We value our professional relationships. We value our friendships. SG members forge lasting bonds.” Romani also appreciates the robust professional development resources that come with membership in SG. “The combined wisdom of this organization’s accomplished members is an asset found nowhere else. Sharing our insights puts us on the path to success today. And the advantages of operating as a DSO prepare us for tomorrow’s changes.”

Christy Fortney, DDS, a board member from Southern California, adds, “There is so much expertise in this group. Going from a good practice to the ‘next level’—a fantastic practice—can be realized because SG members truly apply the ‘success through sharing’ philosophy. The group has your back.”

SG recently launched its new website, schulmangroup.com. It provides information for orthodontists who are interested in becoming members along with a convenient online application. In addition, companies wishing to offer their products and services to SG-member orthodontists can learn about the Preferred Supplier Program and meeting sponsorship opportunities.

In its role as an orthodontic DSO, SG will consider business opportunities to aid the organization’s growth. Prospective areas of interest may include investment in expanding orthodontic practices, along with investment in the buying and selling of orthodontic practices.

“As an orthodontist, if you want to go fast, you can go it alone. But if you want to go far in your practice—know the trends, apply the data, keep up with best practices—go with SG membership,” Bray advises. “We consider SG the single best peer-to-peer resource there is for orthodontists who want to take their practices to what they envision as their ‘next level.’ Members’ success is SG’s strength. Now, positioned as a DSO, and with planned growth of our paramount resource, our members, we can only grow stronger.”