Dentists are finding it more difficult to own and operate private practices, leading to a decrease in practice ownership and increased consolidation under DSOs. 

Forbes has ranked its top eight lenders for refinancing loans from dental school, naming the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority as the best choice, according to a Nov. 15 report. 

There were 214,700 active dental hygienists in the U.S. in 2022, an increase of 64,820 hygienists since 2001, according to the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.

The distribution businesses of dental supplier Henry Schein have been restored after experiencing a cybersecurity incident in October. 

Here are five DSOs that have launched so far this year:

From new DSO launches to practice affiliations, here are seven updates on specialty DSOs and MSOs that have taken place since Sept. 20: 

Six laws will be implemented beginning Jan. 1 that will change how dentistry is practiced in Illinois.

Over the course of my professional career, mentorship has consistently served as a cornerstone, being a pivotal role in my personal and professional development. I live for the satisfaction of developing individuals, assisting them in discerning their skill sets and nurturing their professional advancement. Witnessing the tangible growth of individuals within their roles is, without a doubt, the most gratifying aspect of my professional achievements. 

Here are two dental artificial intelligence companies that have earned FDA clearance for their products that Becker's has reported on since Oct. 25:

The Aspen Group recently appointed Hyung Bak as chief legal and compliance officer. 

Here are three dental organizations that have expanded their presence in Pennsylvania that Becker's has reported on since Oct. 2:

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental recently opened an office in St. Johns, Fla.

Irving, Texas-based Specialized Dental Partners recently added an Illinois practice to its network. 

Here are three federal updates affecting dentistry since Oct. 27:

There are 8,982 pediatric dentists in the U.S., according to data from KFF. 

Financial instability and workforce challenges are partially keeping dentists away from owning practices, according to Avinash Bidra, BDS.

Vyne Dental, a dental revenue technology company, is launching Vyne Dental Plans through a partnership with Subscribili. 

There were 6,745 graduates from U.S. dental schools in 2022, a slight increase over the number of 2021 graduates, according to data from the American Dental Association.

USA Today has named its top two dental insurance plans for 2024 that have no waiting period, according to a Nov. 15 report.

The average annual wage for general practitioner dentists was $172,290 in 2022, a 4.6% decrease from 2021, according to the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.