This month, several dental industry leaders spoke with Becker's about how DSO consolidation will evolve, opportunities to advance oral healthcare under the next White House administration and how millennials and Gen Zers are changing dentistry.
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The current gap in the dental workforce, the large amount of student debt dental school graduates have and the reduced access to dental care are three of the biggest concerns that leaders in dentistry have about the industry.
Several dental industry leaders want the next White House administration to invest more in public oral health education initiatives and expand medical and dental benefits for patients.
Misinformation about dental care and treatments has increased in the industry, leading to negative repercussions for patients and providers, according to one DSO exec.
The Aspen Group is making significant investments to keep up with how patients' needs and expectations are transforming the dental industry.
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One of the biggest challenges facing DSOs is overcoming the negative reputation that comes with being a large entity, according to Ash ElDifrawi, chief commercial and brand officer at The Aspen Group.
The DSO field could be looking ahead to an interesting future as companies work through current economic challenges, one industry leader says.
Many dental executives see flexibility as one of the most important skills for leaders in the dental and healthcare industries as these fields continue to rapidly evolve over time.
The increase in interest rates and the cost of capital in 2023 and 2024 has led to fewer DSO deals. However, with rates beginning to come down, some dental industry executives are forecasting an uptick in activity.
Clinical audits can play a critical role in ensuring the success of a dental practice, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.