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Dental Leaders Discuss AI, M&A, and Changing Patient Behavior
Executives and clinicians share insights on the future of the dental industry
Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:55am
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This month, dental executives and clinicians spoke with Becker's about changing patient behavior, artificial intelligence, private equity trends, and more. Leaders from Specialized Dental Partners, Large Practice Sales, U.S. Oral Surgery Management, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, Smile Makers Dental Center, Main Street Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Mortenson Dental Partners, and Fitch Mountain Dental shared their perspectives on the evolving dental landscape.
Why it matters
The dental industry is undergoing significant changes, with increasing patient demands, the rise of artificial intelligence, and ongoing consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. Understanding the insights and strategies shared by these dental leaders can help the industry navigate these shifts and better serve patients.
The details
Dental executives discussed the growing importance of AI in improving efficiency, accuracy, and the patient experience. They noted that while independent practices have been slower to adopt AI, IDSOs and DSOs have already implemented AI in diagnostic procedures. Leaders also highlighted the need to focus on operational maturity, leadership depth, and consistent performance to succeed in the M&A landscape. Additionally, they emphasized the shift towards more personalized, value-driven care, as patients prioritize long-term outcomes and transparency around costs and treatment options.
- The interviews with dental leaders took place in January 2026.
The players
Scotte Hudsmith
CEO of Specialized Dental Partners, a dental service organization based in Franklin, Tennessee.
Chip Fichtner
Principal at Large Practice Sales, a firm that facilitates mergers and acquisitions in the dental industry.
Alisa Ulrey
COO of U.S. Oral Surgery Management, a dental service organization based in Irving, Texas.
Rahma Samow
President and CEO of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, a dental practice chain headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
Francesca Pregano
COO of Smile Makers Dental Center, a dental practice located in Tyson's Corner, Virginia.
What they’re saying
“All of us have had to get lean and really focus on what we can do to improve efficiency, and AI certainly brings a lot of promise in that area. I think we're all hopeful about AI. I also think we have to take a very practical approach to it. We can't just go explore every toy.”
— Scotte Hudsmith, CEO of Specialized Dental Partners
“While our clients are eager to access lower costs and higher reimbursement rates possible in an IDSO partnership, one of the recent drivers has been AI adoption. Virtually all of the IDSOs and DSOs have already implemented AI in their diagnostic procedures after testing multiple systems over the last two years.”
— Chip Fichtner, Principal at Large Practice Sales
“To me, success will come down to execution. This can mean embracing new tools and technologies that improve efficiency. It is essential that while we do that, we maintain our strong clinical quality and help our teams be open to change to support sustainable growth.”
— Alisa Ulrey, COO of U.S. Oral Surgery Management
“Being almost five years in the dental industry, what I'm seeing is more informed and value-driven consumers. Patients are truly evaluating their care through a long-term lens, and they're prioritizing permanent outcomes and peace of mind over speed or the lowest price.”
— Rahma Samow, President and CEO of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
“I believe M&A activity in the dental industry is likely to increase in 2026. However, I also believe the nature of acquisitions will continue to evolve. In my view, buyers will place greater emphasis on practices that deliver an exceptional patient experience and have strong, scalable systems in place, rather than focusing solely on size or topline revenue.”
— Francesca Pregano, COO of Smile Makers Dental Center
What’s next
As the dental industry continues to evolve, dental leaders will need to closely monitor trends in AI adoption, patient behavior, and M&A activity to ensure their practices and organizations remain competitive and responsive to changing market dynamics.
The takeaway
The insights shared by these dental executives highlight the industry's shift towards greater efficiency, personalization, and value-driven care. Embracing new technologies like AI, prioritizing operational maturity, and delivering exceptional patient experiences will be key to success in the rapidly changing dental landscape.
