Dental leaders share insights on M&A, staffing and operational challenges
US-focused perspective on operational challenges dental leaders face in 2026, including M&A trends and workforce issues.
In April, five dental professionals discussed key challenges facing the industry with Becker's Dental, covering mergers and acquisitions, workforce issues, and operational strategy. The leaders emphasized that complex problems in dentistry require thoughtful approaches rather than quick fixes.
Lessons from other industries
Hamza Asumah, MD and Director of Operations at Juniper Services in Nevada, highlighted how dentistry can adopt best practices from hospitality, aviation and professional sports. He noted that the hospitality industry's structured approach to patient experience offers valuable lessons for dental practices seeking to improve service quality and operational consistency.
M&A and staffing as persistent concerns
The roundtable discussions revealed that mergers and acquisitions remain a focal point for dental leaders evaluating growth strategies. Staffing challenges continue to affect practice operations across the country, with professionals acknowledging that recruitment and retention require sustained attention rather than temporary solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What can dental practices learn from the hospitality industry?
According to Hamza Asumah, Director of Operations at Juniper Services, dentistry should adopt hospitality's disciplined approach to patient experience. This structured methodology can help dental practices improve service quality and operational consistency.
What are the main challenges dental leaders face in 2026?
Dental professionals cited M&A opportunities, staffing issues, and operational strategy as key challenges. Leaders emphasized that these complex problems require thoughtful solutions rather than quick fixes.
How are dental practices addressing staffing problems?
The article indicates that staffing challenges require sustained attention and strategic recruitment and retention efforts. No single solution addresses the problem; practices must implement consistent, long-term approaches.
What industries influence modern dental practice management?
According to dental leaders, aviation, hospitality, and professional sports offer operational models that dentistry can adapt. These industries have developed discipline and systems that can improve dental practice performance.
