Jun 5, 2025 5 min read Archive

Can lasers really boost your bottom line?

Can dental lasers be profitable? Dentistry IQ delves into how to use dental lasers to boost productivity and profitability. We also talk to Dr. Jeff Osborne about a dental merger and the outlook for private practice.

Plus, the cause of death was determined for a 9-year-old who died after undergoing anesthesia for a dental procedure.

Digital dentistry is booming. The global market for digital dentistry could hit $17.2 billion by 2032, according to a new report. In 2023, its market value was just $6.69 billion.

What are Ozempic teeth? "Ozempic teeth" refers to all manner of dental problems, including decay and tooth loss, anecdotally associated with the weight loss drug. A Forbes article explores the veracity of these social media claims.

Crazy braces. Diamond veneers and dogs with braces? Dr. Benjamin Winters, aka The Bentist, digs into some wild braces cases.

Tariffs and dentistry. How are tariffs impacting dentistry? Becker's Dental + DSO Review shares updates on industry responses and predictions.

The good kind of artificial sweetener? Artificial sweeteners get a bad rap, but can xylitol actually be good for you? An episode of SciShow digs into the benefits of this common chewing gum ingredient.

‘Standing at the edge of a golden age for private practice’

In May, Smile Source and ACT Dental, a dental coaching and education company, announced their plans to merge. Smile Source was launched in 2006 as a private practice dental network. With the merger, ACT Dental will bring its members deeper opportunities for coaching and leadership development.

Jeff Osborne, DDS, chief dental officer at Smile Source spoke with Dental Bite about the merger and his outlook for the future of independent dentistry. -Carrie Pallardy

Can you tell me about how Smile Source was initially formed and the mission of the dental network?

Smile Source was created in 2006, with the idea of creating a collaborative and support-based model to preserve and grow independent dentistry. By the early 2010s, Smile Source began gaining momentum, and today we are a network of over 1,000 doctors representing approximately 750 practices.

Our mission has remained constant; to preserve independent dentistry. We do that through collective buying power, business and clinical education, marketing support and a strong community of like-minded dentists.

And I’ll say this, I don’t believe independent dentistry is dying. I believe we’re standing at the edge of a golden age for private practice, but only if we stick together. That’s what Smile Source is here to help do.

How did the idea of the merger with ACT Dental first come about?

At Smile Source, we’re always paying attention to the landscape; what’s changing, what members are asking for and what’s missing. For a long time, our members have been hungry for more business coaching, better systems and deeper leadership development.

ACT Dental was already delivering exactly that. So, rather than build something from scratch, we saw the potential to align with a team that shares our values and complements our strengths. The conversations came easily, the partnership came naturally and the merger simply made sense. We’re stronger together.

Do you have any advice for other private practice dentists considering the possibility of exploring a merger with another practice or organization?
I think every private practice dentist should at least explore the idea of joining Smile Source. Once you understand what we offer, the decision becomes pretty clear. We help you lower your overhead, and that’s important.

But more importantly, we help you raise your ceiling. Nobody ever saved their way to greatness. Growth happens when you surround yourself with people who are learning, improving and pushing the profession forward. That’s what this network offers, a community, a conduit and a strategy for long-term success in private practice.

Continue reading the full interview on our website, www.dentalbite.co

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

The cost of killing fluoride

As the push to remove fluoride from public drinking water continues, researchers are examining the potential impact. A new study projects the cost of eliminating fluoride from US public water systems would reach $9.8 billion over five years.

Why it matters: Dentists will be on the frontlines of the public health fallout of fluoride bans that experts anticipate will add to national health care costs and lead to poor oral health outcomes, particularly in children. (JAMA Network )

Dental laser profitability

Dental lasers are a tool, not a procedure. How can they make your dental practice money? Angie Wallace, RDH, a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) tackles that question in an article for Dentistry IQ. She explores how lasers can increase productivity and how practices should add to existing codes when using lasers.

Why it matters: Any technology that can boost productivity in the dental office has the potential to also increase profitability. As lasers advance, dentists can consider how they fit into their practices. (Dentistry IQ )

Lessons from the CIA in communication

Establishing trust can be a powerful tool. In an episode of the "Everyday Practices Dental Podcast," Maggie Augustyn, DDS, Chad Johnson, DDS and Regan Robertson discuss how the CIA can offer lessons on becoming a better listener and leader.

Why it matters: Communication with patients, colleagues and staff is an essential part of dentistry. Dentists can continuously hone this skill. (Everyday Practices Dental Podcast )