Over the course of my professional career, mentorship has consistently served as a cornerstone, being a pivotal role in my personal and professional development. I live for the satisfaction of developing individuals, assisting them in discerning their skill sets and nurturing their professional advancement. Witnessing the tangible growth of individuals within their roles is, without a doubt, the most gratifying aspect of my professional achievements. 

Financial instability and workforce challenges are partially keeping dentists away from owning practices, according to Avinash Bidra, BDS.

Many DSOs next year will choose to prioritize basic measures that have led to success in the past, according to Barry Lyon, DDS. 

Artificial intelligence is expanding across many healthcare fields, including dentistry and oral surgery. 

Akeyla Brown, DDS, is an oral surgeon and was recently named the first clinical director for diversity, equity and inclusion and community engagement for Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management.

Becker's has spoken with several dental and DSO execs this year about the technology they are paying close attention to and how technology is affecting dentistry.

A lack of updates in insurance practices and increased DSO consolidation has created a tough environment for dentists, according to Rajdeep Randhawa, DDS.

Challenges with patients, insurers and the perception of dentistry are among some of the biggest frustrations for dentists at their practices. 

Sage Dental has big plans to continue its expansion in the Southeast next year.

Recent research shows that the percentage of PPO plans offering higher annual maximums for dental plans has increased over the last several years, according to Michael Adelberg, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans.

As interest in artificial intelligence grows, many healthcare leaders are learning how to implement this technology into clinical practice, including dentistry. 

DSO leaders are often faced with multiple challenges while leading networks of various sizes. 

Dentists have several ways that they prepare for days packed with full schedules, complex procedures and operational tasks. 

Consolidation is expected to increase in the dental industry due to a range of factors, according to Deborah​ Brown, DMD. 

Advancements in technology and patient care will have a positive impact on the dental industry in 2024, according to Heather Foster, CEO of Dallas-based DSO Heritage Dental Group.

Next year could bring increased use of various dental technologies, continued workforce challenges and more innovation in specialty services, according to four leaders in the field.

Dental professionals can expect to see significant changes in several areas of the industry, according to one CEO. 

Dental professionals can expect to see continued DSO consolidation and challenges with staffing and reimbursements next year, according to Brad Rand, DDS. 

Dental implants, specialty fields, doctor equity and medical-dental integration are some of the many trends DSO executives have been paying close attention to this year. 

Three dental professionals recently shared with Becker's the reasons that drew them into the dental industry – clinical autonomy, having free time and self satisfaction.