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Show Notes

Episode Title
 Is MB2 Different? Part 1 – Dr. Chris Villanueva on DPOs, DSOs, and Dentist Autonomy. A Discussion with Dr. Bob Dee

 Description
In this episode of Dentistry in General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Dr. Chris Villanueva, founder and CEO of MB2 Dental, to explore the complex terrain of DSOs, private equity, and a relatively new model: the DPO. Dr. Bob, known for his outspoken skepticism of corporate influence in healthcare, challenges Dr. Villanueva to explain how MB2 claims to preserve clinical autonomy while scaling to 800+ practices. What follows is a direct, open, and sometimes provocative discussion about ownership structures, doctor referrals, operational independence, and whether private equity can ever coexist with ethical patient care. This is not an ad. This is a real conversation between two professionals who care deeply about the future of dentistry.

Highlights Dr. Villanueva recounts the founding of MB2 in 2007 and how the platform grew from a collaborative of private practice dentists into one of the largest and most unique organizations in the dental space. He explains the philosophical and operational differences between DSOs and DPOs, emphasizes why clinical decisions stay local in the MB2 model, and dissects what autonomy really looks like under a joint-venture structure. Dr. Bob presses for answers on profitability pressure, regional manager influence, and transparency in peer referrals. From mission trips with private equity executives to scalable retirement transitions, this episode dives deep into practice ownership, innovation, and trust.

Personal Passions
 Dr. Villanueva reveals his commitment to preserving independent dentistry in a changing landscape, rooted in his own frustrations with corporate medicine. He talks about his early days running a private practice, watching the medical model erode his wife’s autonomy as a physician, and his belief that dentists must act collectively to protect the future of the profession. Dr. Bob shares his longstanding concerns about top-down control in healthcare and his mission to educate dentists on both the benefits and risks of evolving ownership models.

Podcast Vision

This episode reflects Dentistry in General’s vision to host bold, balanced conversations that explore controversial topics without corporate bias. By bringing together voices across the spectrum of practice models—from solo practitioners to DPO architects—Dr. Bob fosters dialogue that empowers dentists to make well-informed decisions about their careers, finances, and autonomy. The platform remains dedicated to transparency, honesty, and practical knowledge that respects the profession’s clinical core. ___________________________________________________________________

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