Featured Perspectives

Oral health is just as important as physical health — in fact, they are even connected.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, dental practices have been rocked by rising operating costs, staff recruitment challenges, office closures and declining revenue.

With the rapid growth of DSOs in the industry and rising operating costs, many dental professionals are wondering what this means for independent dental practices.

Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services is focusing on growing its network in 2022 along with furthering the connection between oral and whole-body health.

Trends come and go, but some are more dangerous than others.

The COVID-19 pandemic, staffing challenges, rising costs and low reimbursement rates are leading to a bleak outlook on independent dentistry, but some are still eyeing a promising future.

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental added 424 practices in 38 states last year, expanding its network to support more than 2,300 doctors in more than 1,550 offices. 

Solutions can be found even in times of uncertainty.

2021 has been much different than previous years, with epic evolution in the dental landscape that doesn't appear to be slowing down in 2022.

Dentistry has never evolved as quickly as it has amid the pandemic. Looking forward, Becker's asked dentists what their main dental priority was heading into 2022, along with their main industry concern.