Dental practice success could largely depend on dentists’ ability to keep up with technological advancements, patient expectations and economic shifts.
Four dentists recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss what dental practices will need to succeed in the next two to three years.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What will make or break dental practice success in the next 2-3 years?
Corey Anderson, DDS. Affordable Dentures & Implants (Bridgeport, W.V.): Practices are going to need to figure out the revenue cycle more tightly than is current practice as national and state economic trends shift. Patients will expect dental insurance to cover more services than it does, which would be an opportunity for dental insurance to update coverages to better match current practices and current patient expectations. Geographic DSO market penetration may peak in some areas and result in a need for improved patient outcomes and satisfaction in order to continue to extend brand reputation. As a whole, this could be a win for patients. Financially, the combination of these potential changes could stress practices even more than they are now, causing some practices to shutter.
Jeremy Burgin, DDS. Burgin Dentistry (Clovis, N.M.): In my opinion, the ability to grow and learn with technology is key. Patients can usually tell if you have or have not kept up with technology as well as advanced surgical procedures.
Parimal Panchal, DMD. Southeast Smiles (Wilmington, N.C.): A dental practice will need to sustain the increased costs of rendering dental treatment while managing reduced reimbursement from insurance carriers. Wages have increased substantially (20-30%) since the pandemic as has the cost of living. In addition, the cost of dental materials has increased to accommodate higher wages, manufacturing costs and tariffs. All the while, insurance carriers reduce coverage levels and increase barriers for patients to afford treatment they need. Practices will need to find a way to be agile enough to continue providing efficient quality care.
Bob Skopek, DDS. Skopek Orthodontics (Barrington, Ill.) and Clearcut Orthodontics (Huntley, Ill.): As an orthodontic specialist, I believe the success of tomorrow’s orthodontic practice hinges on two essential pillars: delivering truly expert-level care and aligning with the evolving expectations of today’s consumer.
Orthodontists have long been recognized for achieving outstanding clinical outcomes using traditional braces and wires. Yet, despite these results, the patient experience has often been marked by inconvenience, inefficiency and discomfort.
Looking ahead, the modern orthodontist must be committed to mastering clear aligner therapy — such as Invisalign — to a degree that matches or exceeds the quality of conventional treatment. This isn’t just a clinical imperative; it’s a strategic one. Clear aligners offer a patient-centric experience that resonates with contemporary lifestyles: fewer office visits, minimal emergencies, no dietary restrictions, easier oral hygiene and — perhaps most importantly — more time back in the patient’s day.
By combining advanced clinical expertise with a deep understanding of consumer needs, orthodontists can redefine excellence in both outcomes and experience. The future of our profession depends on it.