Becker's Dental + DSO Review

28 BECKER'S DENTAL + DSO REVIEW - VOL. 2021 NO. 3 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 7 dentists share their outlook on the industry By Ariana Portalatin F hile the dental industry is experiencing an uptick in pa- tients wanting cosmetic and implant work and new tech- nology is changing how those procedures are done, some dental practices are concerned about increasing DSO presence and insurance reimbursements. Here, seven dentists provide their outlook on the dental industry: Stephanie Aldrich, DDS: I think we're in the golden age of dentistry right now. We've got a huge aging baby-boom pop- ulation that have spare income to maintain and improve their oral health with more expensive treatment, including implants, crowns and bridges. The digital footprint is growing, with tech- nology allowing us to diagnose and treat our patients better with a better workflow. Being in my mid-40s, I'm in the prime of my earning career and I look forward to seeing where technol- ogy and the dental industry as a whole goes. One area of concern I have is with dental insurance [compa- nies] who are negatively impacting most dentists with ridicu- lous low reimbursements and low maximum benefits. At some point, that will shift too as people will negate paying for insur- ance services that neglect to actually pay for any service. Aditya Singh, DDS: [I would describe the industry as] frag- mented because there is no accepted and implementable standard for diagnosing and treating the most basic dental procedure; because non-dentists can own dental practices and have no interest in the profession in contrast to the busi- ness and the profit motive; because as professionals, dentists tend to view other dentists as competition more often than colleagues, again giving priority to the profit motive over the profession. I do not want to paint a negative picture, as there is always opportunity present. Carol Aiken, DDS: [I would describe the industry as] corporate because costs are going up and reimbursements are coming down and the smaller practices cannot be viable. Charles Anonye, DDS: I am worried that the days of the inde- pendent private ownership of a dental practice are numbered due to the massive growth of corporate and DSO practices. Daniel Poticny, DDS: COVID and its associated effects have given people pause and time to reframe their thoughts on what optimal health involves. Because of this, patients will be less likely to avoid dental care and more likely to accept and actively pursue treatment: cosmetic and functional. Peter Brusco, DMD: [The industry is] innovative. The digital streaming of procedures and advances in implant dentistry is changing dental health forever. Kerry Bloom, DDS: Dental practices are exploding! Every pa- tient is back and bringing their friends. We are especially busy with emergencies. They all know how safe dental offices have always been and could not wait to get back for care. Unfortu- nately, many patients stayed away too long and their problems have increased. Patients are now battling cracked teeth and gingivitis they never had in prior years. n What early-career dentists should know: 3 notes with Dr. Robert Sorin By Erica Carbajal R obert Sorin, DMD, New York City-based dentist and board member of the New York County Dental Society, joined Becker's Dental + DSO Podcast to discuss the key challenges today's providers face, how the dental industry is evolving and advice for early career providers. Three notes from Dr. Sorin: 1. Technology is always changing, and it can be challenging to keep up with the constant learning curve, as well as the costs required to implement new technologies and equip- ment, Dr. Sorin said, adding that the challenge is height- ened for solo practitioners compared to group practices where investments are typically divided among the number of providers at the practice. 2. DSOs will continue to grow, Dr. Sorin anticipates. The lat- est generation of dentists will likely fuel DSO growth. "Our findings have shown us that they want a better balance be- tween their profession and their personal lives, and certain- ly large group practices, DSO corporate dentistry affords them the opportunity to be less entrepreneurial if they want to be," he said. 3. "There has to be an emphasis on continuing education because their education doesn't end once they've left [den- tal] school," Dr. Sorin said. He also advised early-career dentists to consider what their goals are as they enter their profession, identify a team that supports their mission and vision of dentistry, and form mentor relationships for advice as they advance in their careers. n

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