Additional headwinds may be headed for dentistry and the overall healthcare space as leaders face inflation, staffing shortages and additional challenges.
Iquebal Hasan, DDS, chief of hospital programs and clinical development at the High Point (N.C.) University Workman School of Dental Medicine, recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss his predictions for the healthcare industry in 2026:
Note: This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is your main prediction for healthcare finance in 2026? What can be done to prepare?
Dr. Iquebal Hasan: There will be financial pressure on healthcare, especially smaller entities. This will be due to multiple factors, which include but are not limited to inflation, a rise in operating costs, workforce shortages, burnout and an increase in patients’ financial responsibility.
The solution will be in cost saving and production-based income strategies. Independent hospitals, medical groups, dental schools and dental practices will need to collaborate and work together. In some cases, mergers and affiliations will be the best solution.
