The Story Behind Dental Collective
Key Points
- Founded in 2023 by Michael McCoy and Casey Trout to help independent dentists access DSO-level pricing and partnerships.
- Grew from one trade show to 200+ member practices and 60+ vendor partners by mid-2025.
- Operates as a GPO offering savings on supplies, labs, tech, and services.
- Focuses on transparency, flexibility, and community-driven support.
- Mission: empower independents to compete without losing autonomy.
The Story Behind Dental Collective: How Group Buying is Leveling the Playing Field for Independent Dental Practices
By Michael McCoy & Casey Trout, Co-Founders of Dental Collective
When we launched The Dental Collective Podcast, our goal wasn’t just to talk about dentistry — it was to tell the story of why Dental Collective exists and how we’re helping independent dental practices stay competitive in an ever-changing industry.
What started as two former dental reps talking shop has evolved into a national movement to give independent dentists access to the same pricing, partnerships, and purchasing power as the largest DSOs in the country.
From the Field to Founders
Both of us — Michael McCoy and Casey Trout — started our careers in dental sales at Komet USA, calling on practices across the Northeast. Those years on the road gave us a unique front-row seat to the everyday challenges that dental practices face.
We saw firsthand how much money goes in and out of a dental practice every month — from supplies and equipment to lab work, software, and repairs. And we also saw the widening gap between independent practices and corporate DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) when it came to buying power.
Corporate groups were getting 20–30% better pricing simply because of their size. Meanwhile, independent practices — often more patient-focused and community-driven — were paying more for the exact same products and services.
We knew something had to change.
The Birth of Dental Collective
In September 2023, we decided to take matters into our own hands. After more than a decade in the industry, we founded Dental Collective, a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) built specifically for independent dentists.
We started small — one trade show, a few conversations, and a lot of hustle. At the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Mike walked up to vendors like Kettenbach, BioClear, and Cherry, pitching the idea of a new kind of GPO — one focused not on corporate contracts, but on community and collaboration.
By the end of that event, we had several partners on board. That validation gave us the confidence to take the next step: recruiting members. Within a few short months, we had our first wave of practices joining — and by mid-2025, Dental Collective had grown to over 200 member practices across the U.S. and Canada, supported by more than 60 vendor partners.
How the Model Works
Dental Collective helps practices reduce overhead and improve profitability by negotiating discounts and exclusive offers across every area of the dental business — from supplies and lab work to marketing, IT, and AI technologies.
Our vendor ecosystem includes industry leaders like Dental City (supplies), Overjet (AI diagnostics), Apex Reimbursement Specialists (insurance and billing), UpTime Services (equipment repair), and many others.
The goal is simple:
“Help independent dental practices use top-tier products at better prices than they could ever get on their own.”
We take a consultative approach with every member — reviewing where they’re spending money today, identifying quick wins for savings, and connecting them to vendors that align with their goals. It’s not about forcing anyone into a box. It’s about creating flexibility, transparency, and value in every area of the practice.
Why Group Buying Matters Now More Than Ever
The dental industry is changing rapidly. DSOs now represent nearly 30% of all practices in the U.S., and that number is expected to reach 50% within the next decade.
That means fewer independent offices and more corporate consolidation — unless private practices find new ways to stay competitive.
That’s where group purchasing comes in.
By joining a collective, independent dentists can leverage the buying power of hundreds of peers to access DSO-level pricing, while still maintaining full ownership and clinical independence.
As Casey put it on the podcast:
“Our partners cover top to bottom within the practice. Whether you need supplies, AI, insurance help, or equipment repairs — we’ve got a partner for you.”
Building Community Through Conversation
Dental Collective isn’t just about savings — it’s about connection. That’s why we launched The Dental Collective Podcast — a platform where we bring on vendor partners, dentists, and innovators to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned.
Each episode features candid conversations about what’s working (and what’s not) in modern dentistry — with plenty of humor and humility along the way.
As Mike said in Episode 1:
“We’ve met some amazing humans who run practices and companies across this industry. We want to hear their stories — and share them with our community.”
The Future of Dental Collective
Today, Dental Collective is more than a GPO. It’s a movement — a community of like-minded dentists, partners, and professionals working together to redefine what independent dentistry looks like.
Our mission remains clear:
To give every independent dental practice access to the same opportunities, pricing, and partnerships that corporate dentistry enjoys — without sacrificing autonomy or integrity.
We’re proud of what’s been built so far, but this is just the beginning.
Join the Movement
If you’re a dental practice looking to reduce costs, discover new technology, or simply connect with a supportive community that “gets it,” we’d love to have you join us.
