Here are five new trends for dental leaders to know regarding DSOs, technology, staffing, insurance and patient care:
1. Middle-market DSOs and AI: Middle-market DSOs have become one of the largest adopters of artificial intelligence. VideaHealth CEO Florian Hillen shared with Becker’s that these companies have leaned on AI to drive same-store growth as the cost of acquiring practices rises.
2. Private equity interest: Private equity investors are turning their attention more toward smaller DSOs in a move that is catching some industry leaders by surprise. Haim Haviv, the founder and CEO of Hudson Dental in New York City, told Becker’s he has seen more private equity groups go after smaller DSOs at earlier stages for the unique position these companies are in at earlier stages of growth.
3. Interstate dental compacts: Several states have joined interstate dental compacts this year to help combat workforce shortages. Louisiana recently became the first state to adopt the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, developed by the American Association of Dental Boards, while 12 states have joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact by the Council of State Governments.
4. Payer reform: Eighteen states have passed a total of 37 dental insurance reform laws so far this year, according to the American Dental Association. The most common insurance issues addressed this year include dental loss ratios, virtual credit cards, assignment of benefits and improvements to provider credentialing processes. Overall, more than 120 legislative proposals have been filed this year.
5. Patients’ oral health knowledge: More patients are learning the role oral health plays in their overall health and are taking preventive measures to support their dental health. Ninety-one percent of adults believe their oral health is an integral part of their overall health, according to Delta Dental’s 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. Additionally, the percentage of adults making preventive dental visits increased from 83% in 2023 to 84% in 2024.
