Workforce changes, technology integration, and concerns about consumer confidence are among the top trends in dentistry as we head into the second quarter of 2025.
Three DSO leaders share the challenges they're seeing and the solutions they're evaluating as they navigate the changing landscape.
Dustin Netral, CEO, Vista Verde Dental Partners
Dustin Netral.
"Over the past five years, we have navigated significant shifts in workforce and operational costs, emerging stronger and more adaptable. Many DSOs have become skilled at addressing challenging market conditions, and as a result, our industry has built the resilience needed to tackle new obstacles such as changes in federal spending and recently announced tariffs. These challenges have become part of our new normal, reinforcing our need to rapidly adapt for success.
"Hygiene is becoming a gig economy where hygienists want to work at multiple practices and have a lot of flexibility. DSOs are realizing that's not so bad. They can fill their roster with a few part-time hygienists as opposed to looking to hire one full-time employee. Cloud dentistry and other staffing companies are helping to unlock those part-time resources.
"Affordability is still top of mind for consumers. We're looking at ways to increase efficiency and collaborate with insurers to ensure we're paid a fair rate. Massachusetts passed a dental loss ratio law (which requires dental insurers to spend at least 83% of premiums on patient care and quality improvements), and other states are looking at similar dental insurance reforms. There's a willingness from payers to collaborate more on how to deliver more value to patients."
Dr. Mariz Tanious, chief dental officer, Affinity Dental Management
"We're seeing a rebound in revenue now after a rough start to the year. Patients and providers were sick with the flu and other illnesses, and schedules would fall apart.
Dr. Mariz Tanious.
"We're watching what's happening with tariffs and how they may impact our costs and consumer confidence. We're evaluating adding more financing options to help patients afford the dental care they need.
"We're also looking at how we can increase access to care for patients who don't typically go to the dentist and supplement fluoride and other means of remineralization for patients who may lose fluoride from their water supply."
Rezwan Manji, CEO, Imagen Dental Partners
"We're investing heavily in clinical education programs, led by Dr. Sameer Puri, our chief clinical officer. There is so much opportunity within our own patient base. We think of education as a journey, not as an event, and have a massive focus on implementation and how it impacts everyone from the doctors to the hygienists to the front office staff, and most importantly, the patient.
Rezwan Manji.
"There's a huge opportunity with associates to create long-term alignment. They are our future and we have a pathway to partnership program for associates that develops leadership, financial, and clinical skills. We're focused on creating a great work environment, patient outcomes, and deeper relationships.
"We're creating a strong foundation that's built to last. We're evaluating our tech stack and which technology can help enable growth. We're moving to Denticon's practice management system and identifying technology that facilitates great clinical outcomes and provides the best possible solutions for those in our community."
More dental industry trends
The dental industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by new technology, changing patient expectations, and economic factors. The Planet DDS Dental Industry Outlook 2025 report looks at the biggest trends shaping dental care, from AI-based diagnostics and automation to predictions about mergers and acquisitions. Click here to download the report.
Beth Gaddis is the editor in chief at Planet DDS, a dental technology company specializing in cloud-based practice management systems, digital imaging, and dental marketing services. Previously, Gaddis was the marketing director for two large dental service organizations. Prior to entering the dental industry, Gaddis was a journalist for 16 years in a variety of roles, including as a TV news producer at the CBS affiliate in Boston. You can connect with Gaddis on LinkedIn.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
