Becker's Dental + DSO Review Podcast

In this episode, April Welker and Kym Davis, Dental Hygiene Coaches at Dental Care Alliance, discuss how structured hygiene coaching strengthens patient education, clinician engagement, and quality of care. They share how investing in culture, leadership, and professional development helps reignite passion, improve retention, and elevate outcomes across dental practices.This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.

In this episode, Faraz Edalatpajouh, DDS, CEO of Clark St. Dental Partners, shares how his organization is adapting to rising costs, regulatory changes in California, and shifting payer mixes while continuing to grow. He also discusses the role of AI in dentistry, DSO challenges in a high interest rate environment, and the leadership skills needed for long term success.

In this episode, Brandon Belford, Vice President of Procurement at Heartland Dental, discusses how a doctor led, best value sourcing strategy and Diamond Trusted designation help scale lab and supply management across more than 1,900 practices while maintaining quality, affordability, and practice autonomy.This episode is sponsored by Heartland Dental.

This episode features Robert Trager, Owner of Dentists for Airport Employees, as he discusses the rising costs of running a private practice and the challenges posed by insurance in today’s dental landscape. He also shares his excitement about the role of AI in dentistry and how it’s shaping the future of patient care.

In this episode, Avi Weisfogel, Founder and CEO of Restfull - powered by the International Academy of Sleep, shares his journey from dentistry to building innovative solutions in dental sleep medicine. He explains how Restfull removes the obstacles that have kept DSOs from leveraging dental sleep medicine to boost organic EBITDA growth.This episode is sponsored by Restfull.

Barry Lyon DDS Dental Director for Main Street Children's Dentistry and Chief Auditor for Dental Care Alliance, reflects on the lingering effects of the pandemic and the rising costs of operating a dental practice. He discusses concerns around tariffs and their potential impact on the profession while also sharing his perspective on the ongoing evolution of dentistry.

In this episode, Amanda Tebbe, Chief Operations Officer at SOH Dental, shares how culture drives retention across the organization, the impact of staffing shortages and payer trends on dentistry, and why she is optimistic about the role of AI and technology in improving efficiency and patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Corey Anderson, Dentist and Practice Owner at Affordable Dentures & Implants in West Virginia, shares insights on workforce challenges, patient expectations, and the growing role of digital technology and AI in dentistry. He also reflects on leadership, continuing education, and why servant leadership is key to the profession’s future.

In this episode, Dr. Lincoln Harris shares how RipeGlobal is transforming dental education with simulation-based training that accelerates learning and scales across DSOs worldwide. He also discusses the biggest challenges in dentistry today and what healthcare leaders need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

Ahmed Farag, State Dental Director at the Oregon Health Authority, shares insights on expanding coverage for dental care and navigating the evolving landscape of the dental industry. He offers a balanced perspective, remaining optimistic yet cautious about the future, and outlines what the next three years may hold for dentistry. Farag also provides advice for leaders seeking to guide their teams through change and uncertainty.

Travis Zick, Owner of Apex Dental Lab Group, joins the podcast to share insights on key trends shaping the dental space, including the importance of transparency from labs to patients. He also discusses the impact of passing new legislation and offers practical advice for emerging healthcare leaders navigating the evolving industry.

In this episode, Dr. Hillary Abel, Doctor Development Advisor at SALT Dental Partners and President of the District of Columbia Dental Society, shares insights on Medicaid challenges, workforce turnover, and the future of DSOs. She also highlights the promise of AI in dentistry and the critical role of dental societies in advancing the profession.

In this episode, Manish Naik, President of Dental and Vision at Cigna Healthcare, discusses workforce challenges, affordability barriers, and how innovations like teledentistry, AI, and integrated care models are improving access, equity, and whole person health.

Annie Sawyer, Director at 3D Dentists, joins the podcast to discuss some of the most pressing challenges in the DSO space, including staffing shortages, access to care, and the growing impact of burnout on dental professionals. She highlights the role of AI and technological innovation in driving progress while emphasizing the importance of a people-centric approach to leadership and patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Qoot Alkhubaizi, Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), joins the podcast to share her journey in dentistry, insights on global oral health, and how digital innovations and AI are shaping the future of dental education and patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Anshelle Tucker, Clinical Director at Aspen Dental, shares her perspective on the rapid adoption of dental technologies, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving expectations of patients. She also highlights how leaders can prepare for the future by embracing innovation and guiding the next generation of clinicians.

In this episode, Matt Steele, Director of State and Local Advocacy at CareQuest, discusses the impact of upcoming Medicaid changes, the importance of community water fluoridation, and strategies for ensuring vulnerable populations maintain access to essential dental care.

Rick A. Mars, DDS, Dental Care Group President and Align (Invisalign) Global Faculty Member, joins the podcast to share insights on the latest trends in the dentistry space. He emphasizes the critical role oral health plays in overall wellness, explores the growing use of AI in dentistry, and raises concerns about the risks of DIY dentistry.

In this episode, Krista Kappus, DDS, a private practice dentist in California, shares her perspective on staffing shortages, rising costs, and the role of insurance reform in shaping the future of dentistry. She also highlights exciting innovations such as AI, 3D printing, and digital tools that are transforming patient care and practice operations.