Unlocking Tomorrow: The Benevis Report on Future Oral Healthcare Trends
The landscape of dental healthcare is undergoing a thrilling transformation! As patient preferences evolve, administrative challenges escalate, and technology leaps forward, the future of oral health is brighter than ever. Recent insights shed light on the exciting trends reshaping the industry: the growing power of dental service organizations (DSOs), the game-changing impact of artificial intelligence, and enhanced access to care that’s changing lives.
Recent data reveals a remarkable shift: the number of dentists linked to DSOs has nearly doubled since 2015! With staffing shortages and reimbursement complexities weighing heavily, dentists are increasingly partnering with organizations like Benevis—an innovator committed to bringing quality dental care to underserved communities. A staggering one-third of dentists are on the hunt for hygienists and assistants, with 72% citing recruitment challenges for dental assistants, according to a recent survey. Labor shortages and mounting administrative pressures are driving 82% of dental professionals to seek support from DSOs, ensuring that they can focus on what matters most: patient care.
“The rise of DSO models greatly benefits both providers and patients, particularly in underserved areas, by offering affordable and accessible dental care alongside extensive insurance options,” stated Dr. Jane Whang, DDS, regional director of clinical at Benevis. “With collective strength, our clinical teams can dedicate their efforts to building trusted relationships with patients, enhancing their experience, and ultimately improving health outcomes.”
In a heartening trend, more U.S. adults are prioritizing preventive oral healthcare. Between 2022 and 2023, the proportion of adults seeking preventive dental care jumped from 78% to an impressive 83%, as reported by Delta Dental. This shift showcases the increasing awareness of how vital oral health is to overall wellness.
Furthermore, the overall use of oral health services has rebounded to pre-COVID levels, indicating that access to care is on the rise. The latest reports show that the percentage of children without dental insurance has plummeted to its lowest in two decades—just 8%! Nearly 45% of Americans are visiting the dentist, signaling a positive shift in public health.
Excitingly, the dental industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize operational efficiency and elevate patient care. In 2024, Benevis and other providers are utilizing AI-driven appointment scheduling to streamline patient management. By 2025, AI is expected to play an even more significant role in diagnosis, administrative tasks, and even some dental procedures, allowing professionals to focus more on patient interactions and less on paperwork.
As these trends unfold, the dental healthcare industry is evolving to meet the needs of today’s savvy consumers, all while navigating a complex operational landscape. The years ahead promise thrilling innovations in technology, administration, and patient-centric care that will redefine how we experience oral healthcare.
For an in-depth look at the trends shaping oral healthcare, explore the complete report from Benevis here.
About Benevis
Benevis stands at the forefront of dental healthcare delivery, dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional oral care and orthodontics for underserved communities. With over 20 years of experience, Benevis has provided top-notch care to approximately 5 million individuals, operating a network of more than 100 dental offices across the U.S., facilitating 1.4 million visits annually. Committed to advocacy, Benevis works tirelessly to ensure that every family has access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve. Discover more at Benevis.com.