Innovation, collaboration, legislation and growth in the industry are driving optimism about the future of dentistry. Eight dental leaders recently spoke with Becker’s to share what they’re optimistic about for 2026: Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. …
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HEDIS season shouldn’t require all-hands-on-deck for months at a time — yet many health plans report rising burnout, staffing strain and mounting pressure to hit quality targets with fewer resources. Leaders need a way to stay ahead of deadlines without…
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Presented by:
Presenters
Kin Lai
Senior Product Manager, Payer, Inovalon
Mark Paddock
Senior Director, Professional Services, Inovalon
Advancements in technology, doctor collaboration and accessibility are leading to improved patient outcomes, according to Lee Boese, Jr., DDS. Dr. Boese is an orthodontist serving patients in Merced and Fresno, Calif. He recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss the factors…
Seven states improved their dental Medicaid benefits from 2024 to 2025, according to a report from the American Dental Association. In total, 38 states and the District of Columbia provide enhanced adult Medicaid dental benefits, which offers coverage that includes…
Los Angeles-based Cal Dental USA expanded its network by adding seven practices through its affiliate program in 2025, according to a Dec. 16 news release from the DSO. Here are five more notes on the organization’s growth this year:
While clinical AI gets the spotlight, back-office operations are quietly being reshaped by automation, data intelligence and workflow tools that ease burdens across finance, HR, administration and more. The result? Leading health systems are improving efficiency, reducing burnout and building…
Jan 22, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM America/Chicago
Presented by:
Presenters
Joanna White
Lead Healthcare Solutions Executive, Infor
Clif Gaus
Senior Manager, Technology and Innovation, Infor
Manual, fragmented pre-admission testing strains perioperative teams and the operating room. Phone tag for histories, missing documents and late risk discovery all drive day-of-surgery delays, idle rooms and staff burnout. Leaders need a faster, more reliable way to prepare patients…
Jan 21, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM America/Chicago
Presented by:
Presenters
Tammy Jones, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer / Associate Vice Chancellor for Patient Care Services & Clinical Operations, UAMS
Alvin Stewart, MD
Medical Director, Urology Center / Epic Anesthesia Operational Lead / Anesthesiologist, UAMS
Andrew Fisher, MD
Co-Medical Director, Perioperative Care Coordination, Qventus Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology, Medical University of South Carolina
Aspen Dental plans to focus on organic growth initiatives after a year highlighted by network expansions in various states. The Chicago-based organization has opened more than 30 practices in 18 states so far this year. It now supports more than…
Louisville, Ky.-based Mortenson Dental Partners has added its first practice in Missouri. The DSO partnered with Nikodem Dental and Custom Dental Management, which provides general dentistry services in the St. Louis and Springfield, Mo., communities. Mortenson Dental Partners will support…
Here are seven federal government and policy updates affecting dentistry from the last 30 days: 1. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association shared concerns that the Education Department’s proposed loan changes will create additional financial barriers for students. 2. The HHS…