The dental industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with trends often following those seen in the broader healthcare sector. As I attended the Future of Dentistry Roundtable in Chicago, several key themes emerged that will shape the future of dental care and practice management.
Healthcare and Dentistry Integration: A Growing Synergy
The alignment between medical and dental care is becoming increasingly apparent. Medicaid reimbursements for dental care are rising, and dental insurance is trending toward integration with general medical insurance. This shift is already evident in areas like insurance coding and the growth of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which are leading the charge in merging dental and healthcare operations. This integration promises more comprehensive patient care and a streamlined insurance process.
Talent Shortages: A Persistent Challenge
One of the most pressing issues facing the dental industry is the ongoing labor shortage. Roles like hygienists, receptionists, and assistants remain hard to fill, especially when industries like retail are offering competitive wages. Practices must innovate in recruitment and retention to stay competitive.
The Rise of DSOs and the End of Independent Practices?
The consolidation of dental practices into DSOs is accelerating, with projections suggesting that DSOs could own 60-70% of practices by 2030. Interestingly, the Midwest appears more resistant to this trend, with a “why fix what isn’t broken” mentality. However, as younger dental professionals enter the workforce burdened with significant student debt, the allure of DSOs—with their stable pay and reduced administrative burdens—becomes hard to ignore.
What Do DSOs Look for in Growth?
Consolidation and Super-Dental Centers
DSOs are primarily growing through mergers and acquisitions, often acquiring existing practices rather than building new ones. However, there’s a growing opportunity for firms like WDS to support DSOs in consolidating multiple specialties under one roof. These “super-dental centers” could house general dentistry, pediatric care, orthodontics, oral surgery, and even cosmetic services like Botox, creating a seamless experience for patients while optimizing operational efficiency.
The Impact of AI on Dentistry
AI is becoming an indispensable tool in the dental field. From automated answering services and billing to patient diagnostics, AI is reshaping how practices operate. As one panelist put it, “AI is coming, and if you don’t accept it, your practice will die.” Practices that embrace AI will not only enhance patient care but also improve operational efficiency.
Expanding Services to Combat No-Shows
To counteract no-shows and cancellations, many practices are broadening their service offerings. Multi-specialty practices that combine general dentistry with services like orthodontics, oral surgery, and even spa treatments are becoming more common. These diversified practices not only provide convenience for patients but also help maximize appointment utilization.
Addressing Dentistry Deserts
“Dentistry deserts”—areas with limited access to dental care—present a significant growth opportunity. Expanding services into rural areas can fill a critical gap and drive growth for forward-thinking practices.
Final Thoughts
The insights from the Future of Dentistry Roundtable paint a vivid picture of an industry on the brink of significant evolution. At WDS Construction, we are ready to partner with dental practices and DSOs to create spaces that foster innovation and growth. Whether through designing multi-specialty hubs or supporting expansions into underserved areas, we’re here to help the dental industry thrive in this dynamic new era.
