The dental industry is undergoing a large-scale yet complex period of development. Dental Support Organizations (DSOs)—dental networks providing clinics with infrastructural, administrative, and technological support—have remained one of the most dynamic segments of medicine for several years. Against the backdrop of digital transformation, increased competition, workforce challenges, and shifts in patient behavior, DSOs are shaping new standards for sustainable development.
In 2025, the key challenge for industry leaders is finding a balance between rapid growth, quality of clinical care, and adapting processes to modern labor market challenges. At the 12th Annual Dykema Conference, executives from major DSOs shared strategic priorities defining the industry’s direction for the second half of the year. Their statements provide rich material for analyzing how the dental business will evolve amid technological advancement, specialist shortages, and heightened patient expectations.
Against the backdrop of persistent staff shortages, dental networks are shifting their focus toward developing systems that support doctors and employees both professionally and organizationally.
Oakpoint CEO Mick Janness emphasizes that the company’s primary efforts are focused on talent retention, technology optimization, and measured growth. He states that the organization is strengthening its HR function to help clinics improve processes for hiring, engagement, and staff retention.
Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Yahya Mansour, highlights the importance of clinical and systemic support:
“Our key priorities are strengthening the core physician team, optimizing clinical processes, and expanding leadership capabilities at the practice level. Growing demand requires building resilient systems that enable scaling without compromising quality.”
Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) CEO Dale Hokel emphasizes creating work environments where employees can achieve high results and feel professional support.
Progressive Dental Management’s Chief Operating Officer Emma Cifuentes adds that the organization is developing centralized systems, professional growth programs, and two prototype offices, while also focusing on physician leadership development—the foundation of long-term sustainability.
As networks scale, expanding access to quality care remains a critical direction—particularly in regions with insufficient levels of dental services.
Dale Hokel emphasizes that expanding access, elevating the level of clinical services, and investing in teams form the foundation for sustainable growth.
At SOHDental, this strategy includes physical branch expansion, hiring new specialists, and intensifying affiliation processes to increase regional presence.
Smile Brands CEO Steve Bilt notes that the company is increasing the number of treatment days and expanding the range of procedures offered, enhancing service accessibility through clinical training and physician competency development.
Technological solutions are becoming the key to DSO scalability, reducing administrative burden, and improving the accuracy of clinical and financial accounting.
SOHDental CEO Dr. Samson Liu clarifies that the organization is investing in technology to automate electronic claim processing and revenue cycle management. This reduces the risk of errors and accelerates workflows.
Oakpoint is actively implementing AI analytics and automation to optimize administrative operations and enhance patient journey tracking.
Smile Brands is working to standardize its technological infrastructure to provide stable support for branches and reduce process duplication.
At GEDC, particular attention is paid to digital patient engagement and the use of analytics and artificial intelligence to personalize treatment and improve clinical outcomes.
Amid growing demand, DSOs are investing in new clinical products, expanding service ranges, and developing specializations.
SOHDental is launching Curodont, a remineralizing gel, reflecting market interest in minimally invasive solutions for caries prevention.
Oakpoint is directing capital toward expanding its branch network, particularly in the specialized care segment, where significant growth potential remains.
Progressive Dental Management is testing new clinical models, including general and pediatric dental office prototypes as scalable templates for future growth.
Smile Brands continues to explore affiliation opportunities with organizations that share their values and approaches.
DSO leaders emphasize that sustainable growth is impossible without a strong management team and a unified, scalable infrastructure.
Dr. Mansour highlights the role of local leadership and clinician support as the foundation for sustainable development.
GEDC is building a strategic-level team, including key appointments—from Chief Clinical Officer to leaders in development and clinical operations.
Despite differences in scale, structure, and clinical profile, all DSOs are following a common trend: building systems that are scalable and resilient to workforce and technological challenges.
Innovation, digitalization, professional development of clinicians, and expanding access to care form the foundation upon which the dental industry will build its successful model in the coming years. DSOs capable of integrating these areas and building a resilient, learning organization will define the standards of clinical quality and efficiency in the market.
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