Four leaders shared their thoughts on the biggest challenge their organization is currently facing during Becker's Dental + DSO Review Virtual Forum on Oct. 14.

As healthcare companies nationwide mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees, dentists are split on whether mandates are needed, whether COVID-19 vaccinations should be mandated and how the mandates could affect morale and staffing.

As Senate Democrats seek to expand dental coverage under Medicare, some dentists are worried about how the plan will be managed and how it will affect the dental industry.

Dental practice budgets can suffer when sudden expenses hit if offices are not prepared.

As the dental industry evolves under growing DSO presence, new technology and CMS changes, many dentists are wondering what the field will look like in the next five years.

As the dental industry grapples with a staffing shortage exacerbated by the pandemic, some DSOs are getting creative, developing innovative solutions to continue serving patients with high-quality care.

Dentistry often involves having to make many decisions to enhance a practice, learn skills and advance careers.

Rising costs, staff recruitment and retention, and insurance reimbursements are among the top dental industry threats dentists are thinking about today.

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.