Building a smarter tax strategy for your dental practice

Are you thinking about tax season? A new Dental Economics article breaks down smart tax strategies for dental practices. New research also uncovers a cavity-fighting amino acid and a major risk associated with poor oral health in children.
But first, a suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of an Ohio dentist and his wife.

$17M grant to fund TMD research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded nine universities a $17 million grant that will fund a study for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment.
Dental therapy comes to Michigan. Dana Obey became Michigan's first licensed dental therapist, and more people could follow in her footsteps as the state works with a university to develop a dental therapist program.
The amino acid that fights cavities. New research shows that arginine, an amino acid in saliva, can play a role in reducing tooth decay. It has the potential to be a useful supplement in toothpaste and mouthwash.
AGD's 2026 dentists to watch. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) released its 2026 list of 10 Dentists to Watch.
ADA webinar: Addressing patients' mental health. The American Dental Association (ADA) is hosting a Jan. 23 webinar focused on how dentists can cultivate the skills to communicate with patients about their mental health.

Building a smart tax strategy for your dental practice
Practice owners who learn how to be tax-savvy can reduce the amount they pay and keep more profit for their business and their future. In an article for Dental Economics, Rachel Richards, CPA, breaks down impactful tax strategies. Dentists can leverage their business structure, capture deductions, pay themselves strategically and lean into retirement planning to build a strong tax plan that works for them.
Why it matters: Taxes are a part of being a dental practice owner, and knowing how to create a strategic tax plan can help you reduce stress and keep more profit. (Dental Economics)
Recognizing and avoiding legal risks in dentistry
Legal pitfalls can damage a practice's finances and reputation. In an episode of the "Dental Digest Podcast," Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, and health care attorney Evan Sampson talk about some of the common risks dentists face when managing billing and difficult patients. Recognizing red flags early and focusing on compliance can help dentists ensure professionalism and mitigate legal risks.
Why it matters: Evaluating legal risk and embracing mitigation can help dentists protect their businesses. (Dental Digest)
Pediatric oral health linked to cardiovascular disease risk
Most people don't start worrying about heart disease until they hit middle age, but the risk of cardiovascular issues has roots that go all the way back to childhood. New research has found that children who have caries and gingivitis are at higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as they get older. If oral health worsens during childhood, the risk of ASCVD increases.
Why it matters: Oral health is foundational to overall health, and it is vital to recognize the importance of access to dental care for pediatric patients. (Medscape)

- Marquette dental student wins national research award
- How Medicaid cuts create barriers to oral care
- ORL Kids toothpaste, mouthwash recalled in Arizona
- How dentists can tackle CE in 2026
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Bianca Prieto.