As DSO consolidation increases in the industry, solo practitioners may opt for boutique dentistry to remain economically stable, one dentist predicts. 

DSO consolidation, private equity and network expansion were among just a few topics dental leaders spoke to Becker's about in September. 

One dental leader connected with Becker's via email Sept. 20 to discuss how he sees consolidation trends in the dental industry changing.

Private equity deals have experienced major growth in the dentistry industry in recent years, with several companies operating with different models. One oral surgery group has worked to turn private equity on its head for its partners. 

There are several possible advantages and disadvantages a dentist must consider before deciding to sell a practice to a private equity firm, according to Franklin Woo, DDS. 

Private equity companies have promoted growth and innovation in the dental industry, but increased competition is leading to an uneven playing field for aspiring private practice owners.

President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan could lead dental schools to increase tuition costs, one dentist predicts. 

President Joe Biden recently announced his plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt to eligible borrowers, but some dentists are not confident it will do much to help aspiring and current dentists. 

Florham Park, N.J.-based Select Dental Management has overcome several challenges on its way to becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., but they've placed the DSO at a place for continued success, according to two execs. 

Investments, inflation, leadership and the monkeypox outbreak were just a few of the topics dental professionals spoke to Becker's about this month. 

In times of economic uncertainty, making the right investments is more important than ever. Here is what three dental leaders chose to invest in during 2022:

From increased staff wages to training programs, here is what six dental industry professionals chose to invest in during 2022:

Dental professionals need to begin viewing dentistry as a health profession again over a cosmetic service, according to Franklin Woo, DDS. 

For many of us, at this stage in our careers, it can seem like we've reached a pinnacle. A place where we've learned and experienced it all and now our job is to lead and pass it onto the next generation. And while the latter part is true, the former is not. We still have much to learn and in order to be the most effective, selfless and growth-oriented mentors, we must be self-aware about the areas where we can still learn and grow — and partner with others to close those gaps for our mentees. 

Here is what five dentists had to say about some of the biggest challenges the dental industry is facing today.

DSOs have become a driving force in the dental industry over the last few years, but their success doesn't always come easy.

Matt Carlston, DMD, a practicing dentist and vice president of marketing and partner recruitment for Lakewood, Colo.-based Comfort Dental, connected with Becker's on Aug. 11 to discuss advice he would give to new dentists and more.

Rising inflation could make it hard for dental practice owners to keep up as costs increase and revenue drops, according to Rajdeep Randhawa, DDS. 

The threat of another recession looms over the U.S. economy. One dentist offered his perspective on how another recession, on the heels of one in 2020, could affect the dental industry.

Some of the top priorities for dentists during the second half of 2022 include maintaining consistent operations, recruiting staff and improving financial performance.