How DSOs Are Adapting to Economic Shifts in Dentistry
Dental support organization (DSO) leaders are keeping a close eye on macroeconomic pressures, shifting workforce expectations, and rising consumer concerns about affordability. While these challenges are not new, they’ve become more complex and demand innovative, flexible responses.
Today’s DSOs and dental groups must think beyond traditional staffing models and payment systems. In a workplace where both clinical and operational teams are moving full force ahead, dental organizations are finding that adaptability and creativity are imperative to staying ahead.
Find out what dental industry leaders are watching closely—and how their organizations are positioning themselves for the future.
Moving with the Dental Workforce Evolution
Over the past few years, the dental workplace has undergone a significant shift—particularly in hygiene staffing. A new era of hygienists is increasingly embracing a new economy mindset, looking for greater control over their schedules and work environments.
“Hygiene is becoming a gig economy where hygienists want to work at multiple practices and have a lot of flexibility,” said Dustin Netral, CEO of Vista Verde Dental Partners. “DSOs are realizing that’s not so bad. They can fill their roster with a few part-time hygienists as opposed to looking to hire one full-time employee.”
This shift is prompting DSOs to reevaluate what a sustainable workforce model looks like. Rather than pursuing the traditional full-time hire, many organizations are building new staffing strategies that blend part-time workers and outsourced support.
Staffing agencies are helping DSOs and dental groups tap into this growing pool of part-time clinicians, enabling a more adaptive approach to clinical operations. It’s a transition that not only supports team preferences but also helps DSOs remain responsive during periods of growth and economic changes.
Reducing Barriers to Optimal Patient Care
In addition to workforce changes, DSOs must contend with external factors that can influence patient behavior and drive operational uncertainty. Leaders cited external economic issues as forces that can disrupt scheduling and shake patient confidence.
“We’re watching what’s happening with tariffs and how they may impact our costs and consumer confidence,” said Dr. Mariz Tanious, chief dental officer at Affinity Dental Management. “We’re evaluating adding more financing options to help patients afford the dental care they need.”
For DSOs, the ability to reduce cost barriers is a necessity to maintaining patient volume. “Affordability is still top of mind for consumers,” Netral said. “We’re looking at ways to increase efficiency and collaborate with insurers to ensure we’re paid a fair rate.”
To reduce friction for patients, DSOs are also implementing consumer-friendly payment options. People want to pay in monthly installments, and solutions like Planet DDS Pay make that possible. Patients can save a card on file and authorize monthly withdrawals, just as they do on sites like Amazon.
These tools not only support patient retention but also align with broader efforts to simplify patient care and encourage follow-through on treatments.
Expanding Access to More Patients
Affordability is one dimension of the access equation—but not the only one. For many DSOs, expanding care means identifying and supporting patients who may be underinsured or rarely seek dental treatment. Clinical leaders are exploring preventive care innovations to support populations facing long-term exposure risks, such as reduced fluoride access.
“We’re also looking at how we can increase access to care for patients who don’t typically go to the dentist,” said Dr. Tanious. “And we’re exploring how to supplement fluoride and other means of remineralization for patients who may lose fluoride from their water supply.”
For DSOs committed to scaling with purpose, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to deliver value-based care and improve patient outcomes.
Adjusting to the “New Normal” in Dentistry
DSOs are increasingly expected to operate with both flexibility and foresight. The pressures DSOs face—from workforce trends to economic headwinds—are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
But leaders across the industry are already responding with forward-thinking strategies that reflect the current reality. “These challenges have become part of our new normal, reinforcing our need to rapidly adapt for success,” expressed Netral.
DSOs that prioritize operational agility and a deeper understanding of patient expectations are better positioned to succeed. Find out how Planet DDS is helping DSOs modernize operations built for efficiency and growth.
