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.

Mark Censoprano, Co-Chief Executive Officer of MAX Surgical Specialty Management, discusses the challenges of talent acquisition and the strategies to address them. He highlights the importance of creating a positive patient experience and shares success tips for leaders navigating the evolving dental support landscape in the coming years.

Nick White, DMD, of Lake Mary Pediatric Dentistry, shares insights on dealing with staff shortages and current trends in the dental industry. He discusses taking a hands-on approach to new technology and offers advice for success for emerging leaders in the DSO space.

Stan Kinder, President and Founder of Everything DSO, discusses operational performance at the individual practice level and shares success tips for new leaders. He explores the implementation of AI and highlights key trends shaping the DSO space today.

Jon Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer at Smile Doctors LLC, discusses creating the best patient experience through the use of AI and the growing role of private equity in the DSO space. He also explores key industry drivers shaping the future of dental service organizations.

Ian Mcnickle, Chief Executive Officer of Icon Dental Partners, shares his early beginnings in the DSO space and his unique transition from mechanical engineering to dental service organizations. He discusses adapting to Medicaid cuts, while also offering success tips for leaders, including the importance of maintaining a strong and supportive work culture.

In this episode, Teresa Williams, COO of Dental Express, and Alan Rencher, CTO of Henry Schein One, discuss how DSOs are using data, cloud technology, and streamlined operations to stay nimble, improve patient access, and scale sustainably in a changing dental landscape.This episode is sponsored by Henry Schein One.

In this episode, Phil Cassis, CEO of Providence Dental Partners, discusses navigating workforce challenges, implementing AI and cutting-edge dental technologies, and fostering a culture of fun and transparency. He shares insights on driving growth while staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving dental industry.

In this episode, Christopher Blann, COO of Positive Impact Dental, shares insights on embracing AI in dentistry, supporting dentists through career transitions, and simplifying operations to strengthen care delivery. He also reflects on lessons from optometry and how they inform his leadership in the dental space.

In this episode, Thomas Passalacqua, Director of Business Development at The Smilist, discusses navigating acquisitions, fostering a strong company culture, and leveraging innovation in dentistry. He also shares insights on staying adaptable and future-focused in a rapidly changing dental industry.

In this episode, Samantha Farrar and Becky Kiddoo of Dental Care Alliance share strategies for addressing the national hygienist shortage, highlighting investments in team support, advanced training, and technology to elevate the profession and enhance patient care.This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.

In this episode, Vilas Sastry, CEO of Teledentistry.com, shares insights on the evolving role of virtual dental care, the impact of policy changes and fluoride removal, and how new technologies like AI and augmented reality are shaping the future of dentistry.