Running a dental practice today means balancing exceptional care with ever-tightening margins. Between inflation, rising supply costs, and stagnant insurance reimbursements, even successful practices are feeling financial pressures.
In an industry as dynamic as dentistry, continuous learning isn’t just beneficial; it’s also essential. Whether you’re five or 15 years into your practice, staying curious and committed to growth are two of the most powerful ways to elevate patient care and your career. Here’s why lifelong learning matters:
In today’s evolving dental landscape, trust isn’t just a value — it’s also a differentiator. Dental practices that embrace innovation, such as artificial intelligence (AI), can build confidence with patients, which leads to better care. Dental support organizations (DSOs), such as Heartland Dental, are leveraging AI as a tool to assist in detecting diseases more reliably, accurately, and sooner. Here’s how:
EFFINGHAM, Ill., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heartland Dental, the nation’s leading dental support organization, has been named one of Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare for 2025. This award underscores Heartland Dental’s commitment to cultivating an environment where every individual feels welcome and providing exceptional careers. Heartland Dental employs over 20,000 team members and provides non-clinical administrative services to over 3,000 doctors in over 1,800 locations across 39 states and the District of Columbia.
The dental profession is undergoing a significant transformation. More than ever, dentists are affiliating with Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and supported practices for assistance with non-clinical administrative support and enhancing their professional lives. While the opportunity for financial stability and operational support is often cited, the driving forces behind this trend are more nuanced and strategic.
Running a dental practice doesn’t have to be a solo act. And honestly? It shouldn’t be. Being part of a support network means having a community behind you — a group of peers who understand your challenges and want to see you succeed.
If keeping up with marketing trends feels like a second full-time job, you’re not imagining things. Digital marketing has become more competitive, and traditional tactics such as TV, print, and radio may feel less effective due to how difficult it is to track and measure ROI. Here are a few issues to consider going forward:
Owning your dental practice has long been the gold standard. It offers freedom, pride, and a sense of legacy. But it also brings financial risks, staffing challenges, and the weight of running a business all on your own.
At a Heartland Dental supported practice, mentorship is a two-way street. Whether you’re guiding someone just starting out or connecting with a peer, mentorship creates spaces for continued learning, stronger leadership, and deeper impact.
While it’s true that dentistry is rooted in a passion for patient care, an increasing number of dentists are grappling with burnout. Owning a practice brings not only the reward of caring for patients but also the toll of running a business.
