Smile Source: Empowering Independent Dentists for Lasting Success

Founded in 2006, Smile Source is a leading network of private dental practices based in the United States. From the start, the organization has focused on helping independent dentists strengthen their businesses through a range of resources and services aimed at boosting profitability and growth.

Shortly after launching, Smile Source introduced franchising opportunities that allow dentists to remain independent while enjoying the advantages of a larger support system.

Smile Source offers its members a complete set of tools to help their practices flourish. These include substantial savings through group purchasing, innovative marketing solutions, ongoing professional education, and access to an extensive network of peers.

With the strength of more than a billion dollars in collective buying power, Smile Source is able to offer significant cost reductions, helping member practices lower expenses and enhance their bottom line.

Training

Smile Source provides its franchisees with several types of training and support programs designed to aid in the management and promotion of dental care offices. These include:

1. Consultation and Advice
   The franchisor offers individual or group-based consultation and advice on office management and promotional strategies. This may be delivered through various channels such as bulletins, newsletters, web postings, phone consultations, personal visits, and during regular meetings with other network members.
2. Exchange of Practice Development Ideas
   Smile Source facilitates networking and idea exchange among franchise members and dental industry experts. This enables franchisees to benefit from shared experiences and innovations in practice development.
3. Advertising and Promotional Materials
   The franchisor may provide a set of marketing tools including video/audio content, print templates, and other promotional materials. These may be distributed digitally, and reproduction costs are typically the responsibility of the franchisee.
4. Delegated Support via Administrators or Third Parties
   Smile Source may employ administrators or third-party service providers to fulfill its obligations under the franchise agreement, which can include delivering training and support functions.

Territory Protection

Smile Source offers its franchisees a defined but limited form of territory protection. The franchise is tied to a specific "Designated Location" within an agreed-upon territory, and as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement, Smile Source will not allow other general dentistry franchises using the same system and branding to operate within that area.

This territorial boundary is custom-defined based on demographic data and mutual agreement, without a set minimum or maximum size. However, this protection comes with key exceptions. Smile Source retains the right to grant franchises to dental specialists—such as orthodontists or oral surgeons—even within an existing franchisee’s territory.

Additionally, if the franchisee breaches the agreement or after the agreement expires, the franchisor is no longer bound by the territorial restrictions and may open or authorize competing locations in the same area.