Expanding dental education programs, specifically in the dental hygiene and dental assisting areas, are crucial to resolving workforce shortages. 

Attracting and retaining staff, maintaining profitability and organic growth are three of the biggest hurdles in the way of DSOs this year.

DSOs are facing a pivotal year in which strategic moves could make or break their appeal to private equity investors, industry leaders warn.

President Trump's proposal to impose tariffs on imported goods could increase the financial strain on dental practices and DSOs, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.

The dental staffing space has felt the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an ongoing shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants.

The dental industry saw a decrease in mergers and acquisitions in 2024, caused by a more constrained economy than in years past.

Removing fluoride from public water sources could have detrimental negative effects on the dental industry and public health, experts say.

Most dentists, whether or not they accept Medicaid and Medicare, agree that increased reimbursements are the most important update that needs to be made to improve the programs.

Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management has made waves in the oral surgery space, reaching 25 total practices by the end of 2024.

DSO executives are keeping a close eye on several trends this year as competition heats up in the field. 

Ending community water fluoridation could be detrimental to the oral health of adults and children in the U.S., according to Barry Lyon, DDS.

DSOs will be tested on several fronts this year while facing staffing shortages, inflation, increased competition and more.

Remaining profitable, higher patient expectations and low reimbursement rates are a few of the biggest challenges that dentists expect to deal with in 2025. 

While there has been an increased push and awareness for the integration of oral and overall healthcare, the integration with dentistry is still behind other medical areas.

Staffing shortages have made it hard for specialty dental practices to expand, according to Alex Mehler, DMD, Aspen Dental's vice president of endodontic support services.

Dentists can expect to see continued innovation with technology and more reforms for dental insurers next year, according to Huzefa Kapadia, DDS. 

Many dentists are expecting to be faced with several challenges next year as the industry deals with increased consolidation, inflation and low reimbursement rates.

Regulatory changes and a continued focus on preventive care are just a couple of factors that are expected to drive significant growth in pediatric dentistry.

Expanding access to dental care for individuals with disabilities is a passion and top priority for the new clinical director at an NYU Dentistry oral health center.

After laying the groundwork for a solid foundation and team, Scottsbluff, Neb.-based Epic4 Specialty Partners is ready to leap into action for growth in 2025.