Emerging technologies and investors are carving out new opportunities for growth in the DSO field.
Four disruptors to DSO growth this year:
Private equity
Several DSOs gained private equity investments last year as market conditions improved, including Allied OMS and Silver Creek Dental Partners. Oral and maxillofacial surgery has continued to be targeted by private equity groups due to its growth opportunities and history of success. In fact, oral surgery was the only specialty that did not see a drop in private equity deals last year, according to Pitchbook, instead experiencing a 9.1% increase.
Medical-dental integration
DSOs continue to look for ways to integrate care with other medical organizations to enhance overall wellbeing for patients. This comes as more patients realize the link between oral health and overall healthcare.
PDS Health has been a large pioneer in this movement, collaborating with technology companies, hospitals and medical schools over the last several years in an effort to boost care integration. The DSO most recently partnered with CareQuest Innovation Partners to scale blood pressure screenings during dental visits. It also launched a partnership earlier this year with the University of the Pacific on an Epic deployment that will integrate care across medical, dental and ASC settings.
Artificial intelligence
AI has become one of the biggest drivers of growth across the DSO field, helping to build trust between patients and clinicians, enhance diagnostic care and optimize operational tasks. Dozens of DSOs have added AI platforms to their networks in recent years, including some of the largest DSOs in the U.S., such as Sonrava Health, Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental.
Salivary diagnostics
Saliva testing is often praised as one of the most innovative tools in dentistry by dental executives and practitioners, with many believing salivary diagnostics will become a new standard of care.
Dental365 has been a large advocate for salivary diagnostics for several years. The DSO uses SalivaScore, a patented oral biomarker test used to detect tissue breakdown and destruction around teeth and implants. The technology has led the organization to begin training their clinicians as oral physicians.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
