Challenges faced by solo dental practices to keep up with the technology demands of modern dental practices

ENHANCED PATIENT EXPERIENCES

Evidence has shown that dental patient satisfaction can be influenced by peripheral factors such as their perception of the reception area and their perception of the quality and reputation of the practice.^[10] Therefore, the availability of technology may also have a positive impact on patient satisfaction as it may be perceived to be linked to high-quality care. An office that embraces the latest advancements signals a commitment to continuous learning and staying current, rather than relying on outdated knowledge or equipment. This not only enhances a practice’s credibility but also instills confidence in patients. As experts in our field, integrating the latest technologies reassures patients of our dedication to high-quality care and evidence-based practice.

Today, a technologically advanced practice is no longer an enhancement – it is an essential baseline component for patient care.^[11] It could be computer-aided design – computer-aided manufacturing technology that enables same-day restorations with greater accuracy,^[12] while augmented reality and facial scans allow patients to visualize treatment outcomes in real time. In addition, virtual reality helps reduce anxiety during procedures like root canal treatment, and tele dentistry saves up the patients’ time and makes virtual consultations possible. 3D imaging allows for more precise diagnoses and treatment planning, which improves patient outcomes and satisfaction. Tools such as intraoral cameras, 3D imaging, AI-assisted treatment planning,^[13] and emerging technologies such as digital mirrors facilitate patient education opportunities and promote engagement in treatment plans. These advancements are enhancing patient education and engagement in treatment plans.^[3]

CHALLENGES FACED BY SOLO PRACTICES

While technology has revolutionized dentistry and brought unprecedented convenience, it may place an impossible burden on small practices with limited ability to regularly update technological approaches to care. The digitization of dentistry has introduced layers of complexity to the core functioning of a practice and increased the entry-level expenses.

SHIFT IN THE PRACTICE MODEL

It is not surprising to know that only 38% of dentists, who are predominantly boomers, in the US, were practicing solo in 2023,^[23] while millennials, who represent a larger segment of the current dental workforce,^[6,24,25] prefer to work in group practices or DSOs. In 2023, 26.0% of new dentists (those <10 years out of dental school) were affiliated with group practices with at least 10 locations, up from 24.2% in 2022.^[6] Clinicians are motivated to increasingly affiliate with DSOs to reduce the burden of student debt,^[26] offload administrative burdens, gain access to cloud-based systems and modern technology, focus solely on patient clinical care, and improve work-life balance.^[6]

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

As technology advances and patient expectations rise, the financial burden on solo practitioners to keep up with these advancements becomes increasingly prohibitive. The collective effect of these technological advancements is that, in the long run, small practices will face more challenges to compete with the offerings provided by larger group practices. Group practices can leverage their resources to access the latest technology, have administrative staff to focus on important matters such as quality of care and cybersecurity, and negotiate with third-party payers. Although solo dental practices are the historic model in dentistry, the profession has transformed rapidly, and solo practice models are at risk.

Solo practices need to adopt innovative strategies, shift strategically to the changing needs of the market, foster collaborations, and focus on enhancing patient experiences to stay competitive. This may include making investments in skill development, technological improvements, establishing partnerships, or considering alternative practice models to ensure sustainability in the contemporary dental industry. Since the DSO model enables small practices to remain small but leverages the advantages of large practices through administrative collaboration, the DSO model is likely to dominate the dental profession in the decades to come.