The PPO Trap for Startups & Acquisitions: Moving into Ownership in 2026? This Is for You!

By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental Solutions
Insurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental Practices
PreferredDentalSolutions.com


Insurance Decisions That Can Make or Break New Dental Practices

If youโ€™re launching or buying a dental practice, insurance decisions can make or break your first three years.

Too many new owners sign onto every PPO โ€œjust to get patients in the door.โ€

What they donโ€™t realize is that every contract they sign can take years to unwind, and the lower reimbursements can bury their margins before they ever break even.


Why Strategic Credentialingโ„ข Matters for Startups and Acquisitions

Thatโ€™s where trademark-pending Strategic Credentialingโ„ข changes the game.

Instead of saying yes to every PPO, we help new owners identify which networks align with their goals, demographics, and desired fee structure, so they can grow profitably from day one.


The Hidden Leverage New Practice Owners Have

Startups and acquisitions have leverage. Thatโ€™s the secret.

Youโ€™re new, youโ€™re valuable, and youโ€™re building something from scratchโ€”PPOs know that.

When you approach credentialing strategically, you can secure the highest-paying fee schedules before you ever open your doors.


Real Results From Strategic PPO Credentialing

Weโ€™ve seen startups increase their projected first-year revenue by over $100K simply by credentialing strategically instead of traditionally.


The Biggest PPO Mistake New Owners Make

The biggest mistake new owners make? Treating credentialing like paperwork instead of a partnership.

Start strong, set the right foundation, and make the PPOs work for youโ€”not the other way around.

Categories

Testimonials

Alyse Berta
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Dawn, thank you for the great advice and guidance youโ€™ve shared as we work on improving our practice's efficiency. I truly appreciate your...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Dawn, thank you for the great advice and guidance youโ€™ve shared as we work on improving our practice's efficiency. I truly appreciate your support and the time youโ€™ve taken to help us move forward in a more streamlined and effective way. Your insight has been incredibly valuable and is helping us make meaningful progress.
Alyse Berta
Dani S.
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dani S.

IGNITEDDS has made a real difference in our practice and in my role as office manager. The support Iโ€™ve received has...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dani S.

IGNITEDDS has made a real difference in our practice and in my role as office manager. The support Iโ€™ve received has helped me grow with more confidence and clarity, and our systems and leadership have improved because of it. Dawn has been an incredible support to me personally, always present, approachable, and truly invested in our success. I never feel alone when challenges come up, and that level of guidance and encouragement has been invaluable. IGNITEDDS doesnโ€™t just support practices; they support the people behind them.
Dani S.
Eva B.
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Eva B.

Working with IGNITEDDS Coaching has been such a great experience! Having David as a dentist makes a huge difference. He truly...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Eva B.

Working with IGNITEDDS Coaching has been such a great experience! Having David as a dentist makes a huge difference. He truly understands the day-to-day challenges we face in practice. His insight makes their guidance practical, relevant, and easy to implement. Working alongside Dawn has been such a gift! Sheโ€™s always available to answer questions, talk through ideas, and help us find the right solutions. Her advice is thoughtful, effective, and supportive. It hasnโ€™t just helped me, itโ€™s positively impacted our entire team and elevated our patient experience. Iโ€™m incredibly grateful to partner with Ignite as we continue to grow, strengthen our team, and serve our patients at a higher level.
Eva B.
Kylinn Tucker, RDH
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Kylinn Tucker, RDH

I had an amazing experience with the IGNITEDDS Coaching program. Especially since I am a new hygienist, everything...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Kylinn Tucker, RDH

I had an amazing experience with the IGNITEDDS Coaching program. Especially since I am a new hygienist, everything you guys shared was so helpful. Itโ€™s evident that you guys prioritize each individual team member of a dental office and do everything you can to make the environment and schedule run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. I learned so much about treatment planning, Dentrix, scheduling, teamwork, and overall ways to continue improving as a new grad. I wish every dental office had the opportunity to complete this program.
Kylinn Tucker, RDH
Dr Ben Truong
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Ben Truong

It was great working with a team to help bring out the best in each of us. Our team is ...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Ben Truong

It was great working with a team to help bring out the best in each of us. Our team is small, but we work closely together to provide a great patient experience, while having fun at work as well! Your team was able to help us learn to work together, with each person having a vital role in providing care to the patient! Helping us all become streamlined and on the same page will help us become an even more successful practice!
Dr Ben Truong
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Ronnetta Sartor

The 90-Day Jump Start has been transformative for our office. Dawn and Dr. Rice guided us through implementing essential systems ...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Ronnetta Sartor

The 90-Day Jump Start has been transformative for our office. Dawn and Dr. Rice guided us through implementing essential systems and processes, from new patient calls to treatment planning and case acceptance. Their focus on patient care and team accountability has helped us create better structure, improve work/life balance, and stay aligned with our goals. In a short time, our practice has grown tremendously.
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor
Dr. Chandler Oldenburg
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Chandler Oldenburg

IGNITEDDS has been truly transformative for our practice. Within just a few months, our accounts receivable collections increased by $30K, ...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Chandler Oldenburg

IGNITEDDS has been truly transformative for our practice. Within just a few months, our accounts receivable collections increased by $30K, and our operations became far more streamlined. Their clear procedures and policies gave our team structure and confidence, while their step-by-step ownership guidance addressed our specific challenges. Thanks to David and Dawn, we feel more organized, empowered, and aligned than ever before. I highly recommend IGNITEDDS to any practice ready to grow and strengthen its foundation.
Dr. Chandler Oldenburg
Dr. Layla Lohmann
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Layla Lohmann

Working with Dr. David Rice through IGNITEDDS was a game-changer for our Doctor Development Program. We have a solid foundation ...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Layla Lohmann

Working with Dr. David Rice through IGNITEDDS was a game-changer for our Doctor Development Program. We have a solid foundation with our business content and organizational support, but Dr. Rice brought in the critical pieces that truly completed the puzzle. His seamless integration of dental expertise, vendor relationships, and mentorship made an undeniable impact.
Dr. Layla Lohmann
Dr. Brad Eller
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Brad Eller

Dr. Rice brought fresh ideas and meaningful structure to our doctors and offices from day one. He leads every...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Brad Eller

Dr. Rice brought fresh ideas and meaningful structure to our doctors and offices from day one. He leads every discussion with knowledge, enthusiasm, empathy, and motivation that truly resonates. He challenged everyone to step outside their self-made boxes and sparked a renewed drive to grow and improve. His approach is humble, yet itโ€™s clear he has discovered a better, more fulfilling way to live and lead. He inspires you to become a stronger version of yourself while embracing every opportunity. His realistic roadmap and focus on balancing success with personal happiness made our inaugural Catalyst program impactful.
Dr. Brad Eller
Dr. Andrew Le
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Andrew Le

Dr. David Rice and IGNITEDDS is just what every young dentist needs! He is extremely helpful in both the clinical ...
Read More
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Dr. Andrew Le

Dr. David Rice and IGNITEDDS is just what every young dentist needs! He is extremely helpful in both the clinical and business side of dentistry. His genuine kindness is contagious and he just makes you want to keep striving for the best.
Dr. Andrew Le

x

Join Us

Become a Preferred Partner

Join as a preferred partner to unlock growth, visibility, and strategic collaboration opportunities.

No Thanks