Several state legislatures have recently introduced measures to increase access to dental care for residents as the need for accessible options increases for underserved populations.

Becker's talked with Manu Chaudhry, MS, DDS, President and Dental Director at Salem, Oregon-based Capitol Dental Care, about its new integrated expanded practice dental hygienist practice model.

As the dental industry continues to evolve, dentists are focusing on the logistics of running their practices, with staffing and efficiency top of mind.

According to a May poll from the American Dental Association, 80 percent of hiring dentists are experiencing recruitment challenges for multiple positions, including dental hygienists and assistants, administrative staff, and associate dentists.

While the dental industry is experiencing an uptick in patients wanting cosmetic and implant work and new technology is changing how those procedures are done, some dental practices are concerned about increasing DSO presence and insurance reimbursements.

Merritt Dake, CEO of Little Rock, Ark.-based Rock Dental Brands, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" for a conversation about the DSO's specific brand, growth strategy and some advice for emerging leaders.

Robert Crim, DDS, senior vice president and chief dental officer at Smile Brands, joined Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast for a conversation on what led him to the DSO and the company's current clinical priorities.

Clear aligners and telehealth aren't new concepts, but what roles do the two play in the DSO field?

West Jordan, Utah-based Platinum Dental Services, a DSO with more than 21 locations, has partnered with Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub.

Robert Sorin, DMD, New York City-based dentist and board member of the New York County Dental Society, joined Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast to discuss the key challenges today's providers face, how the dental industry is evolving and advice for early career providers.

Matt Zubiller, chief growth officer at Smile Brands, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" to share industry priorities, trends and strategies.

Ken Cooper, CEO of North American Dental Group, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" to share insights on the company's background and what sets it apart from other DSOs.

David Pegg, chief development officer at Dental Care Alliance, joined Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the team's leadership style.

Rose Olague, senior manager of dental assistant national strategy at Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services and vice president of the Dental Board of California, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" to discuss some things she wants everyone to know about dental assistants.

As the industry shifts and changes, seven established leaders shared advice for emerging dental leaders.

Kevin Rogus, vice president of mergers and acquisitions at Smile Brands, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" to share what sets the company's culture apart, and where M&A activity in the dental sector is headed.

Jennifer Mallon, vice president of mergers and acquisitions at Western Dental‬, discussed M&A trends amid the pandemic on "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast."

Six dental leaders shared with Becker's what their No. 1 priority is for this spring.

To celebrate national Dental Assistant Recognition Week, Becker's sat down with Rose Olague, senior manager of dental assistant national strategy at Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services and vice president of the Dental Board of California.

Kim Marcus, senior vice president of accounting and finance at Smile Brands, discussed her experiences, points of pride at Smile Brands and how the DSO has been affected by the pandemic on "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast."