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.

In this episode, Sherianne James, Chief Marketing Officer of Heartland Dental, shares how practices can drive patient demand by delivering consistent care, building trust, and using digital tools while staying authentic and connected to their communities.

This episode features Rob Odell, Owner of wpDuo, who shares how dental and DSO leaders can streamline patient acquisition, reduce lead leakage, and build long-term competitive advantages through better systems and strategic thinking.

In this Becker’s Healthcare podcast episode, Erika Spicer Mason speaks with Dr. Eric Tobler, Chief Clinical Officer, and Christin Lisenby, Vice President of Hygiene at Dental Care Alliance, about the growing importance of clinical engagement in driving dental practice success. They explore how empowering clinicians, aligning on standards of care, and building culture across multi-site settings are critical to sustainable growth and improved outcomes. Tune in to hear real-world strategies and insights from one of the nation's leading DSOs.This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.

In this episode, Dr. Catherine Watkins, a seasoned dentist with over four decades of experience, joins the podcast to share her unique perspective on dental education, licensure compacts, continuity of care, and the critical importance of maintaining dentistry’s identity as a surgical profession. She also discusses emerging technologies, DSOs, and the growing need for equitable access to care.

Julian Osorio, Prosthodontist and Owner at South Boston Dental Group, joins the podcast to explore how advancements in technology are reshaping the dental space. He discusses the impact of rising labor costs and shares practical advice for current and emerging healthcare leaders looking to succeed in an increasingly complex industry.

In this episode, Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis, discusses the mission behind their 10th annual Sharing Smiles Day, how AI is transforming dental care, and why investing in team development is essential for the future of dentistry.

In this episode, Sarah Chavarria, CEO of Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, discusses the growing link between oral and overall health, the future of digital-forward care, and strategies to expand access to underserved populations. She also shares what excites her most about the evolving dental landscape and the leadership needed to drive meaningful change.

In this episode, Dr. Geith Kallas, CEO and dentist at Smile Makers Dental Center, shares insights on expanding a multi-location dental organization, adopting emerging technologies like AI and 3D printing, and balancing leadership with clinical excellence in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, Francesca Pregano, COO of Smile Makers Dental Center, shares how her organization is tackling workforce challenges, embracing dental tech innovations like AI, and preparing for expansion with scalable systems and strong team culture. She also offers key advice for leaders navigating the future of healthcare operations.

In this episode, Sam Patel, CEO of Imagine Orthodontic Studio, joins the podcast to discuss how his fast-growing practice is making orthodontic care more affordable, accessible, and customizable for today’s patients, while navigating economic challenges without passing costs onto families.

In this episode, Dr. Bradley Dykstra, CEO of MI Smiles Dental Group, shares insights on dental industry trends, the impact of technology like AI and virtual agents, and how strong leadership, culture, and data-driven decisions are key to navigating staffing shortages and economic shifts.

Rick Valachovic, DMD, MPH, Executive Director of the NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management, explores the evolving workforce dynamics in dentistry, addressing the ongoing shortage of professionals and the changing landscape of dental practice. He discusses the impact of digitalization on the industry and shares valuable advice for emerging healthcare leaders seeking success in this transforming field.

Katherine Yale, Dental Student at the University of Utah School of Dentistry, and Josh Whipple, Senior Director of Talent and Leadership Development at Pacific Dental Services, discuss insights from a student survey on post-graduation plans. They emphasize the high demand for mentorship and the value of honest, face-to-face conversations with students. Yale and Whipple also highlight the offerings that attract students to the field.

In this episode, Phil Cassis, Co-Founder & CEO, and Dr. Jason Mann, Co-Founder & Chief Dental Officer of Providence Dental Partners, discuss the evolving landscape of the dental industry. From AI advancements and mentorship challenges to leadership strategies and culture-building in DSOs, they share valuable insights on navigating the industry's biggest opportunities and obstacles.

Bryan Carey, CEO at Benevis, and Dr. Jane Whang, DDS, Regional Director of Clinical at Benevis, discuss the adoption of new technology in dentistry and the ongoing challenge of a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. They highlight how Medicaid benefits Americans and the role of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) in increasing access to care. Additionally, they explore strategies for offering greater work incentives to encourage more professionals to serve in rural areas, helping to address staffing shortages.

In this episode, Jeff DeBellis, COO of MAX Surgical Specialty Management, discusses key trends shaping the dental industry, from economic outlooks and consolidation to advancements in technology. He shares insights on the evolving role of EMR and PMS systems, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the essential leadership skills needed for success in healthcare.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's 2024 The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Alexa Brackin, VP of Communications and Business Development at Houston Texas Dental Spa. Alexa shares her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of clinical excellence, patient education, and integrating innovative solutions like AI in dentistry.

In this insightful episode, Dr. William Bloink, Founding Partner of Heartland Dental, discusses the significance of the "Masters and Mentors" campaign and how it reflects the company's doctor-led culture. He shares his personal journey with Heartland Dental, highlighting the transformative power of mentorship and collaboration in shaping leadership. Sorice also explores the evolving role of innovation, such as AI, in fostering mentorship and growth within the dental industry.This episode is sponsored by Heartland Dental.