"That's something that I've been working on with a number of different companies for the last six years or so. It's really fascinating what has come and then also some future things that are coming."

Seth Gibree, DMD, senior director for clinical AI and innovation at Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental, on radiographic artificial intelligence

"You can use AI to replace systems and help speed things up, but I don't think AI can read the patient when the patient just gives you a blank stare or the patient is just frowning."

Emily Letran, DDS, CEO at Sea Breeze Dental (St. Augustine, Fla.) and dentist at Atlantic Children and Family Dental Group (Los Angeles)

 "I think there are a lot of DSOs that are playing that game more and more — thinking of their dentists as partners, not just associates, and we have a lot of conviction around that."

Ryan McCostlin, founder and CEO at Nashville, Tenn.-based Tailwater Dental Partners

Consolidation and Mergers: DSOs are trending toward consolidation. Smaller organizations are merging to form larger entities, enabling better economies of scale, enhanced bargaining power with suppliers and improved access to capital.

Technological Advancements: Adoption of advanced technologies, such as digital imaging, teledentistry and AI-driven diagnostic tools is crucial for staying competitive and improving patient care and operational efficiency.

During a panel discussion on advancements in dental technology, Seth Gibree, DMD, senior director for clinical AI and innovation at Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental, noted opportunities in light of new FDA clearances for tools like radiographic AI — which offers AI assistance in looking at and highlighting findings of potential cavities or bone loss on X-rays. "That's something that I've been working on with a number of different companies for the last six years or so," Dr. Gibree said. "It's really fascinating what has come and then also some future things that are coming." 

Regulatory Changes: To remain compliant and support strategic planning, dental leaders are staying abreast of evolving regulations, such as changes in healthcare laws, insurance requirements and patient privacy rules.

Patient-Centric Care: There is a growing emphasis on enhancing patient experience through personalized care, improved customer service and better patient engagement, driving loyalty and improved health outcomes.

While many organizations are leveraging technology to move the needle on satisfaction measures, some dental leaders encouraged practices to exercise caution and utmost intention here. "You can use AI to replace systems and help speed things up, but I don't think AI can read the patient when the patient just gives you a blank stare or the patient is just frowning," said Emily Letran, DDS, CEO at Sea Breeze Dental (St. Augustine, Fla.) and dentist at Atlantic Children and Family Dental Group (Los Angeles), during a panel session that explored how the next generation of dental professionals will change the industry. "Those are the people skills — the skills you need to understand and to serve better."

Workforce Management: Addressing workforce challenges — including recruiting and retaining skilled dental professionals, managing labor costs and providing continuous education and training — is vital for maintaining high standards of care and operational efficiency. This was a recurring theme at Becker's Dental Roundtable.

"If we can recruit and retain excellent varsity dentists, we'll be able to figure the rest of this stuff out," Ryan McCostlin, founder and CEO at Nashville, Tenn.-based Tailwater Dental Partners said during a panel about the power of organizational culture. "We give our early-career dentists a path to owning up to 30% of the practice with us; it makes them eligible for distributions and multiple arbitrage if that day eventually comes, so they can capture some of the value they've created. I think there are a lot of DSOs that are playing that game more and more — thinking of their dentists as partners, not just associates, and we have a lot of conviction around that."

Overall, the dental industry is poised for significant advancements driven by technology, patient-centric approaches and an emphasis on comprehensive care. DSOs and dental leaders who embrace these trends will be better equipped to meet the future needs of their patients and thrive in an increasingly dynamic market.