In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, sits down with Howard Farran, founder of Dentaltown and one of the most influential thought leaders in the dental industry. Together, they explore the evolution of dentistry from emerging AI technology to the rise of DSOs, the challenges new grads face, and the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. This episode delivers raw insights, bold perspectives, and practical lessons for dentists at every stage of their careers.

Key Points

AI & the Future of Dentistry

• AI is transforming dentistry at historic speed—comparable to the rise of the internet.
• Dentaltown is building AI tools to unlock insights from 10+ million dental conversations.
• AI won’t replace dentists but dentists who adopt AI will replace those who don’t.
• Example: Robotics like Yomi are enhancing implant surgery, not eliminating the surgeon.

The Real DSO Landscape

• Not all DSOs are massive corporate chains.
• The real competition for private practices? Local 4–9 location DSOs scaling smartly across small regions.
• These local groups win by leveraging:
• Shared marketing
• Centralized operations
• Better purchasing power
• Structured systems

Advice for Young Dentists

• Student debt is real, but so are lifestyle choices that amplify it.
• Early career focus should be:
• Clinical reps and speed
• Learning practice systems
• Strong mentorship
• The best first job is one that teaches:
• Business operations
• Full-scope clinical care
• Patient flow and case acceptance

The Competitive Edge for Private Practice

• Patients choose loyalty, trust, and relationships.
• Private practices win when they deliver:
• Consistency in care
• Stable teams
• Real human connection
• High staff and doctor turnover in corporate settings creates opportunities for private offices to stand out.

Know Your Numbers With the Right Advisor

• A general accountant isn’t enough in dentistry.
• Dentists need advisors who understand:
• PPO strategy
• Overhead benchmarks
• Practice-specific financial planning
• Growth vs. profitability
• Specialized financial guidance is a competitive advantage.
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Insurance is Not the Whole Market

• Half of patients don’t have dental insurance.
• Present multiple treatment paths:
• Basic → Mid-tier → Ideal care
• Never assume what a patient can or can’t afford—let them choose.

Who Should Listen?

✔ New dentists navigating debt and career choices

✔ Private practice owners competing with DSOs

✔ Clinicians curious about AI adoption

✔ Anyone wanting unfiltered industry truth