Author: Ariana Portalatin

There are 201,927 total active dentists in the U.S., according to 2022 data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

Little Rock, Ark.-based Rock Dental Brands recently secured another $45 million in debt financing from its lending partner, Twin Brook Capital Partners.

There have been several pieces of legislation this year impacting dental professionals and oral health, including passed bills and proposals that have moved through Congress. 

Many DSOs have worked hard this year to expand their networks and create industry partnerships that will advance patient care, but have had to face the same trends and challenges as smaller dental practices across the U.S. 

The American Dental Association is concerned with the possible regulatory burdens and cost of a proposed provision of the Affordable Care Act. 

The American Association of Endodontists has joined other organizations supporting a November ballot initiative in Massachusetts that would ask voters if the state should establish a medical loss ratio for dental payers. 

Invisalign manufacturer Align Technology introduced an artificial intelligence-guided virtual care feature to streamline practice workflow. 

Minnesota is the highest-paying state for dental assistants, while Louisiana is the lowest, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Alaska is the highest-paying state for dental hygienists, while Alabama is the lowest-paying state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced DSOs to become more flexible and strategic in order to stand out in a competitive market, according to Sage Dental Chief Development Officer Jim Mizouni.