2021 has been much different than previous years, with epic evolution in the dental landscape that doesn't appear to be slowing down in 2022.

Dentistry has never evolved as quickly as it has amid the pandemic. Looking forward, Becker's asked dentists what their main dental priority was heading into 2022, along with their main industry concern.

2021 brought several challenges to the dental industry, including more competition from DSOs and workforce shortages.

Becker's spoke to several dental professionals this year to gain insight into issues affecting the industry, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising supply costs and workforce shortages.

There are many factors dentists may consider when choosing where to practice, including community need, clinical support and proximity to home.

Technology, public service and a commitment to patients were among the top opportunities for growth and success dentists identified in their field.

In 1979, a study was conducted at Harvard University among graduate students. Students were asked, “Have you set written goals for your future?” and “If so, how do you plan to accomplish them?”

As healthcare companies nationwide mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees, dentists are split on whether mandates are needed, whether COVID-19 vaccinations should be mandated and how the mandates could affect morale and staffing.

As Senate Democrats seek to expand dental coverage under Medicare, some dentists are worried about how the plan will be managed and how it will affect the dental industry.

Dental practice budgets can suffer when sudden expenses hit if offices are not prepared.

As the dental industry grapples with a staffing shortage exacerbated by the pandemic, some DSOs are getting creative, developing innovative solutions to continue serving patients with high-quality care.

Dentistry often involves having to make many decisions to enhance a practice, learn skills and advance careers.

Rising costs, staff recruitment and retention, and insurance reimbursements are among the top dental industry threats dentists are thinking about today.

Several state legislatures have recently introduced measures to increase access to dental care for residents as the need for accessible options increases for underserved populations.

Becker's talked with Manu Chaudhry, MS, DDS, President and Dental Director at Salem, Oregon-based Capitol Dental Care, about its new integrated expanded practice dental hygienist practice model.

As the dental industry continues to evolve, dentists are focusing on the logistics of running their practices, with staffing and efficiency top of mind.

According to a May poll from the American Dental Association, 80 percent of hiring dentists are experiencing recruitment challenges for multiple positions, including dental hygienists and assistants, administrative staff, and associate dentists.

While the dental industry is experiencing an uptick in patients wanting cosmetic and implant work and new technology is changing how those procedures are done, some dental practices are concerned about increasing DSO presence and insurance reimbursements.

Merritt Dake, CEO of Little Rock, Ark.-based Rock Dental Brands, joined "Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast" for a conversation about the DSO's specific brand, growth strategy and some advice for emerging leaders.

Robert Crim, DDS, senior vice president and chief dental officer at Smile Brands, joined Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast for a conversation on what led him to the DSO and the company's current clinical priorities.