As dental practices adapt to changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for the future, industry leaders must capitalize on key trends and upcoming opportunities.

SmileDirectClub partnered with Dallas-based Deca Dental Oct. 22, integrating the DSO's more than 100 affiliated practices into its network.

Orange, Calif.-based Western Dental is opening a new practice in San Diego, the organization's 234th office in California.

After serving as Walgreens' senior vice president of pharmacy and retail operations, Jeffrey Koziel has joined Saratosa, Fla.-based Dental Care Alliance as its new president.

Chicago-based Webster Dental Care, a dental service organization with 12 locations, has appointed a new chief operating officer and its first human resources officer.

Below are some of the latest updates from dental support organizations.

Wayne Mortenson, DMD, who founded Mortenson Dental Partners with his wife, said he will retire from the DSO Sept. 30.

By this point, virtual learning has secured a firm position in future education, but how does it fit into the world of dentistry?

Amid the uncertainty 2020 has brought, dental service organizations continue to have a strong hold on the industry. Below is a list of 30 DSOs that should be on your radar this year.

Louisville, Ky.-based Mortenson Dental Partners has launched Smiles360, a dental savings club that aims to provide an affordable alternative to dental insurance.

Delta Dental of Illinois's charitable arm awarded more than $255,000 to 16 organizations across the state that work to improve children's oral health.

Three dental maintenance organization service providers in Texas are using gift cards as incentives for new members, a move examined by the Texas Dentists for Medicaid Reform.

Delta Dental of South Carolina donated $272,400 to organizations leading oral health initiatives in the state as part of its annual Mission Giving Program.

Carrollton, Texas-based MB2 Dental has expanded into Michigan, the 17th state the dental partnership organization has reached.

Pittsburgh-based dental service organization North American Dental Group released a response to the World Health Organization's recent recommendation that patients delay routine dental care until the pandemic is under control, saying it "strongly disagrees" with the guidance.

Marietta, Ga.-based LT Smile Corp., along with its subsidiaries Benevis Holding Corp., Benevis Corp., Benevis, Benevis Affiliates and Benevis Informatics voluntarily filed for relief in the Southern District of Texas under Chapter 11 of the U.S Bankruptcy Code.

Dental professionals and leaders nationwide have joined a Pacific Dental Services campaign urging state officials to keep dental practices open.

Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub has partnered with Irvine, Calif.-based Smile Brands as part of its direct-to-office treatment model.

Carrollton, Texas-based MB2 Dental has partnered with a practice in Pennsylvania, marking the dental partnership organization's growth into 16 states.

New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based-based Dental365 reopened all its offices in June, recalling most of its staff and hiring about 50 new employees, according to The Wall Street Journal.