Becker's Dental + DSO Review Podcast

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.

In this episode, Dr. Marci H. Levine, Clinical Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NYU College of Dentistry, discusses the transformative role of technology in dental education and practice. From virtual reality simulations to advancements in patient care, Dr. Levine shares her perspective on balancing innovation with the human connection in dentistry, the future of AR and VR, and the qualities healthcare leaders will need to succeed in the years ahead.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's 2024 The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Tim North, CEO of P3 Partners Inc. Tim discusses the importance of humility, listening to your team, and fostering strong people skills as essential traits for leaders navigating the evolving landscape of the dental industry.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's 2024 Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Dr. Carolina Perdomo Ruiz, Dentist with Boston University’s Global and Population Health Department. Dr. Perdomo Ruiz discusses her leadership journey, initiatives to expand preventive care access, and strategies for overcoming challenges in the dental field, emphasizing empathy, teamwork, and culturally competent patient care.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's 2024 The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Troy Bage, CEO of Tend Dental. Troy shares Tend’s unique growth strategy in urban markets, their integration of cutting-edge technology like 3D printing, and his thoughts on navigating industry challenges such as wage inflation and reimbursement pressures.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Ananya Shah and Will MacInnis, Co-CEOs at Cliff Ridge Specialty Partners. Here, they share their unique leadership journeys from healthcare finance and operations to orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, discuss innovative growth strategies leveraging technology and marketing, and address key industry challenges like staffing and constrained financing.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Dr. Cedrick McDonald, President of Victory Dental Center LLC. Here, he shares his journey from public health to private practice and his vision for scaling into a DSO platform. He discusses key leadership challenges, the importance of personal and professional development, and strategies for growth and patient care in the dental industry.

In this episode, Dr. Kartik Antani, Owner and Practicing Dentist at Napa Family Dental in Albuquerque, shares his perspective on key trends and challenges in the dental industry. From addressing staffing shortages and healthcare access disparities to leveraging AI and emerging technologies, Dr. Antani offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of dentistry and the importance of adaptability for effective leadership.

In this episode, Ariana Portalatin chats with Dr. Shilpi Priyadarshini, Regional Managing Director at Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics. Dr. Priyadarshini shares her insights on integrating AI in dentistry, overcoming patient care challenges, fostering mentorship for young clinicians, and leading effectively in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, Geith J. Kallas, DDS, founder of Smile Makers Dental Center, shares his experience scaling a dental organization across multiple locations. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in staffing, technology integration, and patient acquisition, while also exploring what makes dentistry exciting today and what skills healthcare leaders will need for success in the coming years.

In this episode, recorded live at Becker's 2024 Future of Dentistry Roundtable, Frank Balkum, CEO of XPRT DSO Advisory Group, discusses the challenges and strategies for scaling DSOs, including innovative financing models like the DSO One Loan Program and the role of AI in enhancing revenue cycle management and patient care.

Oussama Founas, founder of Dentologie, shares insights into the financial landscape of dentistry, addressing factors such as private equity and the fiscal challenges facing dental practices. He reflects on his interests and concerns about financial sustainability within the field. Founas also offers practical advice to aspiring business owners, focusing on essential strategies for managing finances, scaling a practice effectively, and navigating the competitive dental industry. His guidance underscores the importance of financial literacy and strategic planning in building a successful business.

Mariz Tanious, Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental Management, discusses the evolving role of technology within the dental industry. She highlights recent advancements, particularly the integration of automation in areas like patient scheduling, which streamlines administrative processes and enhances clinic efficiency. Tanious shares her perspective on how these innovations not only improve operational workflows but also elevate the overall patient experience, creating a more seamless and accessible approach to dental care.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Demias Pegues, CEO of MyOrthodontist North Carolina. Demias discusses his journey from engineering to healthcare leadership, shares strategies for enhancing patient accessibility and retention, and emphasizes the importance of aligning team incentives to drive success. He also offers valuable advice to emerging leaders about pursuing passion and purpose in their careers.

Discover how automated data solutions are transforming the way companies access and utilize their information. This episode explores strategies to eliminate the reactive, manual pulling of data, ensuring seamless interconnectivity and up-to-date responses to any query. Say goodbye to data silos and hello to fluid, real-time insights.

This episode is sponsored by Claritype.

This episode, recorded live at Becker's The Future of Dentistry Roundtable, features Jay Glazer, Director of Business Development at DC Dental. Jay shares his insights on scaling a successful dental distribution business, leveraging technology and AI, adapting to the evolving DSO landscape, and the importance of fostering strong relationships for sustained growth in the industry.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Jerome, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Heartland Dental. We discuss the transformative impact of technology on the dental industry, from streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing patient experiences. Rob shares insights on how Heartland Dental is leveraging innovation to empower dentists and improve patient care.

This episode is sponsored by Heartland Dental.

Recorded live at the Becker's Fall Future of Dentistry Roundtable, this episode features Dr. Efrain Coronado, Dental Director at Sage Dental. Dr. Coronado shares insights from his career in dentistry and DSO leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, building a strong DSO identity, and effective communication to drive growth and retain talent.

In this episode, Dr. Sibera Brannon, Practice Owner at Affordable Dentures and Implants, shares insights from his extensive dental career. He discusses advancements in implant technology, the critical role of mentorship, and the challenges in expanding patient access and affordability in dentistry, particularly in implant and tooth replacement therapies.

In this episode, Dr. Manu Chaudhry, President of Capitol Dental Care, shares his unique perspectives on transforming dental care through integrated systems and a community-focused model. Dr. Chaudhry delves into the importance of AI in bridging humanistic care, the shift toward value-based care, and the role of collaborative teams in addressing the rising complexity of oral health.

In this episode, Dr. Sundeep Rawal, Senior Vice President of Implant Support Services at Aspen Dental, discusses the transformative impact of dental implants and technological innovation in the field. Dr. Rawal shares insights into Aspen Dental’s patient- and provider-centered approach, advancements in implant therapy, and how Aspen's Oral Care Center of Excellence is making life-changing dental care more accessible.

In this episode, Dr. Catrise Austin, owner of VIP Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry, discusses the growing issue of unlicensed dentistry, the impact of social media on patient decisions, and the importance of technological advances like AI in dentistry. She also shares her thoughts on the key areas dental leaders must focus on for success in the coming years.

In this episode, Dr. Alexander Einbinder, Owner of Grace Dental Smiles and Caterpillar Dental, discusses pressing issues in the dental industry, including access to care, insurance challenges, and staffing shortages. He also shares his excitement about emerging technologies like AI and 3D printing and the hurdles practices face in implementing them.

In this episode, Dr. Larry J. Moray, Founder and President of My Orthodontist NC, shares his unique journey into orthodontics and his mission to increase access to affordable care. Dr. Moray discusses the role of technology, creative financing, and industry challenges in expanding care to underserved populations.

In this episode, Dr. Desmon Brown, Vice President of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Support Services at Aspen Dental, discusses the financial and operational hurdles faced by new dental graduates and seasoned practitioners alike. He highlights the benefits of partnering with DSOs and the importance of staying current with technological advancements to ensure success in the rapidly evolving dental industry.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda speaks with Kevin Prehn, President at Concorde Career Colleges, and Travis Franklin, CFO at Heartland Dental, about their groundbreaking partnership. Together, they discuss addressing workforce shortages, innovative solutions in dental education, and the future of dental hygiene and assistant training programs.

In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Alderman, Founder and CEO of Intelligent Care Alliance, delves into the critical challenges and opportunities facing the dental industry today. From AI integration to patient and employee retention, Dr. Alderman shares her insights on how dental practices can thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Jason Auerbach, Founder of Riverside Oral Surgery and co-CEO of MAX Surgical Specialty Management, discusses the importance of technology and patient experience in modern oral surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Jason Genta, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Smile Brands, discusses the evolving landscape of dental care, focusing on workforce shortages and the pivotal role of technology.

In this episode, Tori Lynch, a dental operations specialist in Texas, discusses key issues in the dental industry, including talent retention, technology integration, and the rise of women leaders. She also explores the complexities of consolidation and its impact on patient care and competition.