Preventative care, education and accessibility are three areas one dentist would like to see more investment in within the next few years to reduce the prevalence of oral health issues.
Ryan Holmes, DDS, director of dental affairs at Chicago-based DSO Bright Direction Dental, recently spoke with Becker's about the biggest challenges facing the dental industry and what's next for the DSO this year.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
1. What are the biggest challenges facing the dental industry today?
Dr. Ryan Holmes: There are numerous challenges facing the dental industry, such as technological shifts, increased patient expectations and ever-evolving economic issues (to name a few). In addition to the challenges dentists face on a clinical front, managing a dental practice is an increasingly challenging business endeavor, which is why I decided to partner with Bright Direction Dental in 2019. Now I can focus more of my attention on my patients and not the everyday burdens of operating a practice.
2. What technologies/innovations are coming into the industry that will improve efficiency and quality of care?
RH: The dental industry is seeing a number of innovative technologies that are designed to improve quality of care and efficiency. Some of these include digital solutions such as 3D scanning, robotics and CAD/CAM software. In our practices, I am most excited about artificial intelligence. Currently, AI is an amazing tool we use to improve our X-ray analysis and raise the standard of care for our patients. In the future, we are excited about AI’s potential to streamline other processes such as patient data management, revenue cycle management and appointment scheduling.
3. How do you see the industry evolving in the next three to five years?
RH: I anticipate that the dental industry will become increasingly focused on preventative care in the next three to five years. This will likely include an increase in the usage of digital technologies, such as telemedicine, to provide more accessible and affordable care. Additionally, I expect there will be a greater emphasis on patient education and guiding dentistry into an overall routine for wellness.
4. If you could change one thing about dentistry, what would it be?
RH: If I could change one thing about dentistry, it would be to make it more accessible and affordable for everyone. I think that by utilizing technology and data-driven insights, dentists can reduce the cost of care and provide more efficient and personalized services to their patients. Additionally, I would like to see more investment into preventative care, education and accessibility to help reduce the prevalence of oral health issues.
5. What are you most excited about for your career or practice this year?
RH: This year, I am very excited to partner as a director of dental affairs alongside my DSO, Bright Direction Dental, to launch an exciting new de novo concept, tidy. Tidy will combine easy, efficient preventative care, non-toxic organic tooth whitening and teeth straightening, all in an amazing, fun environment and will open its doors in quarter three.