Becker's Dental + DSO Review Podcast

In this episode, Joe Feldsien, Senior Vice President of Integrated Care at PDS Health, discusses the growing role of oral health in whole-person care, including advances in salivary diagnostics, CBCT technology and the mouth-body connection. He also shares leadership insights on building patient trust, prioritizing the right initiatives and using AI to strengthen strategy and structure in dentistry.

In this episode, Lori Hall, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Heartland Dental, discusses the ongoing hygiene staffing shortage, its impact on patient care and practice operations, and how flexible workforce solutions and proactive planning are helping dental offices meet evolving staffing needs.

This episode is sponsored by Heartland Dental.

In this episode, Anna Singh, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations, Heartland Dental, discusses the evolving dental landscape, from workforce sustainability and organic growth to the role of AI, data, and technology in improving care delivery. She shares how dental leaders can drive meaningful transformation while preserving clinical judgment, culture, and patient relationships.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Trager, Owner, Dentists for Airport Employees, shares insights from his 57 years as a solo practitioner, including the importance of patient relationships, navigating insurance challenges, and adapting to changes in dentistry. He discusses AI, consolidation, and why convenience and strategic practice management will shape the future of dental care.

In this episode, Costas Harris, Owner, Harris Dental, discusses the ongoing staffing challenges facing dental practices, the growing role of AI and new technologies in improving efficiency, and why independent practices will continue to play a vital role in patient care. He also shares how investing in team development and embracing innovation will help practices succeed in the years ahead.

Barry Lyon, Director of Provider Recruiting and Onboarding for Dental Care Alliance, shares his perspective on how AI, robotics, and regenerative dentistry are transforming patient care while discussing the workforce, financial, and public health challenges shaping the profession. He also explains why strong leadership, mentorship, and adapting to the next generation of patients and providers will be critical for long-term success.

In this episode, Dr. Raihan Faroqui, MD, Vice President of Partnerships at Confido Health, sits down with Dr. AJ Acierno, Chief Dental Officer of Smile Brands and Co-Founder and CEO of Decision One Dental Partners, to discuss how AI is transforming dentistry from a reactive model to a predictive, patient-centered approach. They explore clinical AI, revenue cycle challenges, the future of practice operations, and how technology will reshape patient care, treatment planning, and access over the next decade.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkufbyucwbw

This episode is sp...

In this episode, Curtis Swogger, Chief Executive Officer, North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery, discusses how AI is reshaping dental operations, why thoughtful implementation matters more than rapid adoption, and the importance of maintaining a people-first culture. He also shares his perspective on leadership, workforce development, and what will drive success for dental groups in the years ahead.

In this episode, Bill Piskorowski, DDS, Associate Professor Emeritus of Clinical Dentistry, University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry, discusses advancing medical and dental integration, expanding access to care, and preparing the next generation of dental professionals. He also shares his perspective on AI, workforce challenges, and making dental education more affordable and sustainable.

In this episode, Peter Rivoli, owner Rivoli Dental, Rivoli and Rivoli Orthodontics, shares how AI and emerging technologies are helping improve practice efficiency and the patient experience while reducing administrative burdens. He also discusses the growing challenges of insurance reimbursement and the leadership skills dentists will need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode, Stan Kinder, President of EverythingDSO,LLC and publisher of the Dental Growth and Exit newsletter, discusses the evolving DSO landscape, the growing role of AI in dental practices, and shifting trends in payer participation. He also shares why successful dental organizations will be those that prioritize providers, patients, and strong business leadership.

In this episode, Bonnie Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Family Dentistry, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is enabling quicker diagnoses and improving efficiency in dental care. She also shares her perspective on economic uncertainty, its impact on patient spending, and how dental practices can adapt while continuing to provide high-quality care and a positive patient experience.

In this episode, Kenneth Nusbacher, DMD, MHA, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Dentistry at UK HealthCare, joins the podcast to discuss the growing impact of student loan debt on the future dental workforce. He also shares why emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health is essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing more integrated models of care.

In this episode, Ian Mcnickle, Chief Executive Officer, Icon Dental Partners, discusses the importance of strong partnerships with clinicians, and the strategies driving sustainable growth in dentistry. He also shares insights on leadership, supporting practice success, and preparing for the future of dental care.

In this episode, Dr. Krista Kappus, Dentist, Private Dental Practice, shares how her practice is navigating rising costs, insurance reimbursement challenges, and the growing role of AI in dentistry. She discusses using AI to streamline insurance workflows, improve practice efficiency, and what dental leaders should prioritize to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, Kelly Daly, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Expert on Dental Fear, discusses how dental anxiety impacts patients and providers, common misconceptions about anxious patients, and groundbreaking research using digital tools and telehealth to make evidence-based treatment more accessible

In this episode, Mariya Ogg, Hygiene Coach, Dental Care Alliance, and Elizabeth Gattorno, Hygiene Coach, Dental Care Alliance, discuss the critical connection between oral and systemic health, the evolving role of dental hygienists in prevention and early diagnosis, and how mentorship and technology are empowering clinicians to practice at the top of their license.

This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.

In this episode, Caitlin Walker, Manager at the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, and Rebecca Cornille, Chief Dental Officer at Vista Community Clinic, join the podcast to discuss expanding oral health access across communities. They share insights on improving coverage for seniors, emphasizing prevention for youth, and the powerful impact of community partnerships in driving better dental health outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Kwane Watson, Founder and CEO of Kare Mobile Inc., joins the podcast to discuss addressing access challenges in care delivery. He shares how organizations can enhance production goals while increasing profitability, and how adopting new technologies is helping drive efficiency and expand access to care.

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.