Tighten your dental IT security
What are the biggest trends shaping dentistry this year? PlanetDDS has a new report with the answers. We also explore a new study on how medical debt impacts people's ability to access dental care.
Tiny bite, big reaction. McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski caused quite a stir with his video of sampling the Big Arch burger, but dentists might have a different take.
To catch a fake dentist. A series of recent arrests highlights the unnerving outcomes of people practicing dentistry without a license.
The power of dental endoscopy. Marvelyn Navarro, RDH, writes about the underutilization of dental endoscopy and its power to improve periodontal care for DentistryIQ.
Self-funded plans and reform. The American Dental Association (ADA) voiced approval for the introduction of the Improving Dental Administration Act, federal legislation that would ensure self-funded plans are subject to state dental insurance laws.
WHO webinar: World Oral Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting a webinar focused on oral health in the Western Pacific Region.
More dental marketing? As dental practices compete for business, marketing strategy is becoming increasingly important.
New report on biggest 2026 dental industry trends
PlanetDDS released its 2026 Dental Industry Outlook report, which delves into the biggest trends shaping dentistry and DSOs. It shares data-driven insights gathered from more than 8,000 dental practices. Dentists can learn about some of the primary challenges hindering dental practice growth and some of the most impactful ways to leverage technology and other tools to overcome those challenges.
Why it matters: Industry data can be a useful tool for dentists considering how to build and grow a successful practice in the current challenging environment. (PlanetDDS)
Medical debt and putting off dental care
Nearly half of people with medical debt (42.3%) delay dental care, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Just 17.7% of people without medical debt put off their trip to the dentist. The findings suggest that dental care is particularly impacted by medical debt because dental insurance may require people to have a separate policy and often dental policies offer limited coverage.
Why it matters: Delayed dental care can worsen patient outcomes. The study authors raise concerns that recent policy developments will contribute to growing medical debt. (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)
Getting your IT and security ducks in a row
IT and security compliance are essential for dental practices. In Dental Economics, Lorne Lavine, DMD, writes a quick checklist for dentists looking to strengthen their approach in 2026. He recommends conducting an annual HIPAA risk assessment, maintaining a backup and recovery plan, creating a strong cybersecurity strategy and investing in staff training.
Why it matters: Cybersecurity is an ongoing compliance and cost risk for dental practices. Active management can reduce that risk. (Dental Economics)
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- See award-winning research on supplement use, surgical risk
- Iowa man leaves behind AI career to become dentist
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Bianca Prieto
