The current gap in the dental workforce, the large amount of student debt dental school graduates have and the reduced access to dental care are three of the biggest concerns that leaders in dentistry have about the industry. 

Several dental industry leaders want the next White House administration to invest more in public oral health education initiatives and expand medical and dental benefits for patients. 

Misinformation about dental care and treatments has increased in the industry, leading to negative repercussions for patients and providers, according to one DSO exec. 

The Aspen Group is making significant investments to keep up with how patients' needs and expectations are transforming the dental industry. 

One of the biggest challenges facing DSOs is overcoming the negative reputation that comes with being a large entity, according to Ash ElDifrawi, chief commercial and brand officer at The Aspen Group.

The DSO field could be looking ahead to an interesting future as companies work through current economic challenges, one industry leader says.

Many dental executives see flexibility as one of the most important skills for leaders in the dental and healthcare industries as these fields continue to rapidly evolve over time. 

The increase in interest rates and the cost of capital in 2023 and 2024 has led to fewer DSO deals. However, with rates beginning to come down, some dental industry executives are forecasting an uptick in activity. 

Clinical audits can play a critical role in ensuring the success of a dental practice, according to Barry Lyon, DDS. 

New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 is determined to build on its commitment of advancing dentistry in the future as the company celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Reimbursement issues and processes could be keeping some dentists from joining the programs as providers, according to Hollie Stevenson, the vice president of affiliate and government relations at Dental Lifeline Network. 

Younger dentists' evolving career philosophies are changing how transactions are done in the DSO field, according to NextLevel Doctors Group Founder Gary Kadi.

DSOs should practice more caution when acquiring dental practices as the field continues to face high interest rates and other economic challenges, according to NextLevel Doctors Group Founder Gary Kadi.

NextLevel Doctors Group is setting itself apart from other DSOs by helping every dentist partner with a DSO and walking them through every step of the process. 

Rising costs and payer challenges are making it increasingly difficult for solo dental practitioners to stay afloat, according to Jeffrey Carter, MD, DMD.

Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management is prioritizing its oral surgeon partners to help drive its success. 

Henderson, Nev.-based PDS Health stands ready to push boundaries and set new standards for patient care this year, embracing what it calls the "golden age" of dentistry.

There is one key change dental companies can make to enhance the patient experience, according to Ryan McCostlin, founder and CEO at Tailwater Dental Partners in Nashville, Tenn.

Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of many dental executives' minds this year as more realize the potential of this growing technology. 

While some dentists believe dental consolidation will continue with a significant impact on clinical care, there are a few dentists who think deceleration is on the horizon.