DSOPro polled its 2024 featured Happenings industry leaders for their thoughts on the future of the industry. We asked them: Where is the DSO industry now? What will be different from 2024? Where do you predict the industry is headed in 2025? And any news or thoughts on emerging technologies in 2025?
Jill Nesbitt
Founder/Dental Software Consultant, Optimize Dental Consulting
The Future of DSO Technology in 2025: A Wave of PMS Transitions Begins
The dental industry is on the brink of a significant technology shift, with 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year for DSOs looking to upgrade their practice management software. Investment-backed DSOs, in particular, are actively planning transitions, recognizing the impact that modern software can have on valuation, efficiency, and scalability.
One major driver of this movement is the looming sunset of legacy PMS platforms. As some long-standing systems approach the end of their lifecycle, DSOs are being forced to evaluate their next steps. For many, the decision to switch is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Investors are increasingly prioritizing these changes, seeing technology modernization as a direct path to improving operational metrics and, ultimately, increasing enterprise value.
Beyond system longevity and valuation benefits, automation is also playing a crucial role in driving change. What was once a promise of greater efficiency is now becoming a reality. DSOs are seeing tangible results from automation tools such as automatic insurance payment posting, digitized patient forms, and AI-driven patient scheduling. These advancements are streamlining operations and reducing administrative burdens, making a compelling case for a PMS transition.
However, despite the clear benefits, the biggest barrier remains operational disruption. Many DSOs fear that migration and training periods will temporarily reduce productivity, causing hesitation in making the switch. Overcoming this challenge requires careful planning, strong change management, and a clear roadmap for implementation.
As DSOs navigate 2025, one thing is clear—technology adoption is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Those who successfully manage the transition will be better positioned for long-term growth and efficiency in an increasingly digital dental landscape.
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Ali Oromchian
Co-Founder & CEO, HR for Health
The DSO industry continues to grapple with a fundamental issue—hiring. According to the 2025 State of HR in Dentistry Report, two-thirds of senior leaders still struggle to recruit hygienists, while hiring dentists who want to work for a group practice remains just as tough as it was in 2024. Workforce shortages, leadership development, and operational efficiency are the defining challenges for DSOs moving forward.
Looking ahead, 2025 isn’t just about navigating the same roadblocks—it’s about redefining the way we manage teams and operations. M&A activity continues, with DSOs placing a stronger focus on specialty growth and single-source PMS integrations to streamline operations.
Adding to these challenges is the rapid rise of AI in hiring and workforce management. While automation promises efficiency, it also creates compliance risks, depersonalizes recruitment, and can lead to unintentional bias in hiring decisions. DSOs relying too heavily on AI risk losing the human element that defines strong team cultures—leading to lower engagement, higher turnover, and potential legal pitfalls. AI can be a tool, but it’s not a replacement for sound HR practices, strategic leadership, or compliance expertise.
At HR for Health, we’re focused on real solutions that protect DSOs and support their teams. Our latest payroll enhancements, employee self-service tools, and expanded visibility for leadership ensure that practices stay compliant while empowering their teams. From customized benefits integration to competitive market analysis, we’re providing the essential systems that drive retention, performance, and ultimately, revenue growth.
The biggest risks in 2025 aren’t just overcoming staffing shortages—it’s the false sense of security that technology alone can fix HR challenges. DSOs need to prioritize compliance, leadership development, and employee engagement to build resilient teams. Those who take a proactive approach will be the ones who succeed.
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Andrew Smith
CEO, ADSO
Dr. Maryam Beyramian
Founder & CEO, Westwind Integrated Health and Chair, ADSO Summit Curriculum Committee
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The DSO industry is fast becoming the dentistry model of choice for new dentists, with 32% of dental students planning to join a DSO upon graduation according to a recent ADEA survey. There also is increasing diversity among dentists, with more women and people of color entering the dental workforce, which will help increase access to oral healthcare for groups of individuals who historically did not visit the dentist.
According to a Fluent Dental study, DSO-supported practices lead the industry on a range of key indicators including clinical outcomes, treatment recommendations, and patient retention. And according to a recent study, DSO-supported dentists also are more likely to care for patients with Medicaid, and individuals in underserved populations.
As with all dentistry models, the DSO industry has faced workforce shortages in the past several years, and one of ADSO’s priorities continues to be helping its members attract and retain the highest-quality dental professionals to provide care and increase access to patients in need of care.
The DSO industry is poised to grow in 2025 and beyond, with large growth anticipated in the specialty-focused DSOs and an increased emphasis on medical-dental integration.
The DSO industry is focused on meeting the needs of patients through early diagnosis of disease using advanced technology such as imaging and AI. We also see DSOs using technology to make dental practices more efficient and more responsive to the needs of patients in this era of rising consumerism.
ADSO will host its 14th Annual Summit March 16-19, 2025, in San Diego. The Summit sessions will address the trends and challenges DSO executives are focused on, including sustainable growth models, the use of AI and innovations in dental practices, regulatory and policy shifts impacting dentistry, and marketplace trends.
Breakout sessions for functional areas including marketing, clinical leadership, HR, operations/IT, and finance will offer all members of the DSO executive team opportunities to hear from thought leaders in their areas of expertise and to work collaboratively to discuss solutions with their peers.
Join us for dentistry’s main event. Register for the ADSO Summit.
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