The increased digitization of dental records, improved AI and machine learning softwares and the commonality of QR codes are just a few of the ways that cybersecurity risks in dentistry have heightened in recent years.
Featured Perspectives
While several dentists predict a continued decline in solo dentistry, some say the industry could switch away from DSOs and group practices in the future as people realize the benefits of a solo practice.
A decline in the number of solo dentists could have both positive and negative effects on the industry, according to Huzefa Kapadia, DDS.
Employee training, multifactor authentication and strong firewall software are three steps dental practices and DSOs can take to better protect themselves from cyber attacks and data breaches.
Phishing schemes, ransomware attacks and generative AI are three cyber and data security threats that dental practices and companies have to deal with in 2024.
Advertisement
The number of solo dentists could continue to decline as the pressures that come with owning a practice grow, according to Frank Clayton, DDS.
There are many concerns dentists have that could prevent them from affiliating with a DSO, including fears of losing autonomy and staff, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
DSOs and other management services organizations could start to merge as economic challenges continue into 2024, according to Richard Hall, CEO of Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management.
While technology innovations are having a positive impact on the dental industry, some dentists feel that DSO influence could have the opposite effect in the future.
Patient outcomes can continue to improve as medical-dental integration and preventive measures continue to advance, according to Saam Zarrabi, DDS.