A look at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares the industry predictions to help you prepare for the year ahead. 

Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Show Notes 

• In this episode, we're looking at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026 with our guest Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA's Health Policy Institute.  

• The episode starts by looking back at the predicted dental trends for 2025, which were staffing shortages, insurance challenges, and rising overhead costs. 

• When speaking about economic confidence, Vujicic notes that at the end of 2024 dentists expressed a significant rise in economic optimism about the stability of the dental sector. But, by the end of 2025 confidence levels had dipped, and practice confidence dropped as well due to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and larger national concerns. 

• The ADA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) conducts quarterly surveys. Dentists are invited to enroll in the panel by emailing hpi@ada.org to help share their experiences and strengthen national data. 

• Dentists were asked about their biggest expected challenges for 2026, and they reported that their core issues remain consistent with last year's, but with insurance leading the list, followed by staffing shortages and overhead cost increases. These issues remain steady across urban and rural practices, as well as with different practice modalities. 

• About 90% of dental practices report they are still struggling with hiring staff, even though there's a growing pipeline of dental hygienist graduates, and a rebound in patient volume. The conversation explores whether technology could help with this issue, but dentistry remains a hands-on profession with limits on how much can actually be automated. 

• Dentists shared with ADA's HPI that this year they intend to hire more staff, reevaluate their insurance networks, and invest in equipment, technology and software.  

• Some key findings from HPI's Practice Ownership Trends report shows that today's early-career experience is very different from past generations with a delayed path to practice ownership. Data shows that most dentists will eventually become owners, just later in their careers. The major change: ownership is delayed, not disappearing. 

•  Another interesting theme that emerged from the data was the generational, cultural, and priority shifts happening in the profession. Also, HPI introduces fresh insights into gender pattens that show that even though women start with a lower rate of practice ownership than men, the ownership gender gap closes by mid- and late- career. 

• The conversation shifts to explore the challenges and opportunities from the broader national policy forces shaping dentistry in 2026, and the impact of the economic data influencing decisions in multiple states.  

• HPI continues their research and is focusing on tracking emerging dental policy issues, research on the impact of Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) regulations, and forthcoming analysis of oral trends within Medicare Advantage, to list a few. 

Resources 

• Read ADA's Health Policy Institute's report Practice Ownership Trends in Dentistry: A New Look at Old Data. 

• Learn more about HPI's latest studies and publications, including those mentioned in this episode. 

• Share your experience with us! Dentists are invited to enroll in the HPI panel by emailing hpi@ada.org.  

• For more information on the ADA's Health Policy institute, visit their website ADA.org/HPI. 

• Connect with Dr. Marko Vujicic. 

• Subscribe to the ADA's HPI Newsletter. 

A conversation on leadership and what the future of our profession could look like. We're talking with ADA President Dr. Rich Rosato. 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Show Notes 

• In this episode, listen to a conversation on leadership and the future of the dental profession with ADA President Dr. Richard Rosato. 

• Dr. Richard Rosato, a Concord, New Hampshire, oral surgeon is president of the American Dental Association. In addition to being a past president of the New Hampshire Dental Society, he's served on various ADA committees, councils, and task forces, later representing District One on the ADA Board of Trustees from 2019-2023. The married father of three is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. 

• Dr. Rosato reflects on transitioning into the role of ADA President, and shares his focus on unity, visibility, and action across the profession. 

• What are the key priorities of Dr. Rosato's leadership? He shares with our audience the philosophy and pillars of his ADA presidency, including the long‑term vision for shaping the future of dentistry through Oral Health 2050, a forward‑looking initiative designed to guide the profession. The effort includes the development of five expert panels focused on the topics that matter most to dentists and their patients. 

• The importance of dentists' voices at both the state and national levels is reinforced by Dr. Rosato, as he addresses declining membership numbers, while encouraging active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession. 

• The discussion reinforces the importance of dentist participation at both the state and national levels. Dr. Rosato encourages active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession. 

• Dr. Rosato underscores his trust in collective dialogue, diverse viewpoints, and allowing thoughtful processes to unfold by sharing his belief that the "smartest person in the room is always the room" itself. 

• How can effective leaders handle friction?  Dr. Rosato discusses one of his most significant leadership challenges and highlights the importance of leading with both short‑term realism and long‑term optimism. Rather than viewing limitations as setbacks, he explains how constraints challenge leaders to be more creative, innovative, and intentional in shaping meaningful solutions for members. 

Resources 

• Read the statement on clinical autonomy referenced in this episode. 

• Learn more about advocacy and how you can join the ADA, America's leading oral health advocate, in fighting for what matters to you and your patients. 

• Connect with Dr. Rosato on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or email at rosator@ada.org. 

• Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry. 

We're joined by ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler, and ADA President-elect, Dr. Richard Rosato to talk about key issues that are shaping the future of dentistry. Drs. Kessler and Rosato laid out their vision in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and share more, plus they talk about what they're hearing from ADA members around the country. 

Special Guest: ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler, and ADA President-elect, Dr. Richard Rosato. 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A fascinating look at the cutting-edge artificial intelligence that is transforming the dental landscape, with innovation expert Shawn Kanungo. A practical guide to the latest AI-driven tools and technologies that can revolutionize efficiency and outcomes in dental practices. 

Special Guest: Shawn Kanungo 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're diving deep into the world of pediatric sleep medicine from recognizing the signs of sleep-disordered breathing to collaborating with specialists. Find out what dentists need to know about sleep and airway health. 

Special Guest: Dr. Loria Nahatis 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Answers to the top questions every dentist should know. Practical resources to address the legal issues relevant to you, your team, and your practice. 

Special Guest: Paula Tironi  

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A look at the top challenges and trends for dentists in 2025. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares industry predictions to help you prepare for what's coming. 

Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Vaping and e-cigarettes have become a hot topic in the headlines, causing concern about their impact on our health. We're exploring the impact of vaping on oral health.

Special Guests: Dr. Purnima Kumar 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Real-life worst-case scenarios and the quick-thinking solutions that turned potential disasters into success stories. 

Special Guests: Dr. Brett Kessler 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

In this episode of the Dental Sound Bites Podcast, The latest trends and breakthroughs in oral health and dentistry, from the ADA Forsyth Institute. 

Special Guests: Dr. Wenyuan Shi and Dr. Ben Wu 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A social media crash course! Learn how dental influencers get it done, and how you can get started building your personal and professional brand on social media.

Special Guests: Dr. Britany Baker, and Dr. Sara Ehsani.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Keeping your team safe: How to de-escalate encounters with aggressive patients. 

Special Guests: Dr. Ann Blue 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

More answers to the top questions every dentist should know. We're diving into employment law questions and practical resources to address the legal issues relevant to you, your team, and your practice. 

Special Guests: 

• Michael Kim, ADA Associate General Counsel 

• Christy Picker Rothchild, ADA General Counsel 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

The healthcare innovations that are weaving dental care into the broader healthcare tapestry.

Special Guests: Dr. Jonathan Levine and Maria Filipova

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Essential negotiation tips every dentist needs to know! Strategies to navigate negotiations for services, salary, and financial growth.

Special Guests: Dr. Glenn Vo

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Advice from the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine for the business side of dentistry, managing professional change, and how to build resilience and adaptability into your practice.

Special Guests: Jason Feifer

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Unlock the secrets to overcoming hiring challenges in the dental industry and discover strategies to build a thriving dental team.

Special Guests: Ginny Hegarty

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Cultivating a leadership mindset to create change at work, at home and in your community.

Special Guest: Dr. Adam Saltz

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're talking about R-E-S-P-E-C-T: strategies for cultivating respect in work relationships, and handling disrespect professionally

Special Guest: Dr. Zerita Buchanan

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Guidance for dentists dealing with patients using marijuana. We're exploring the impact of marijuana on oral health. Join us for a discussion about trends in marijuana use and their implications when treating your patients.

Special Guests: Dr. Barry Taylor

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Description:  Join us for an important episode on depression and suicide affecting our profession. Our special guest, Dr. Karen Foster, will share vital information, guidance, and support resources.

Special Guests: Dr. Karen Foster

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

It's one of the hottest topics in the news: GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Learn how to navigate the unique challenges these may present when treating your patients. From chairside chats to expert intel, stay ahead of the curve.

Special Guests: Tom Viola

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Brace yourselves! A new season of Dental Sound Bites is on the horizon, and it'll be filled with insightful discussions, expert guests and invaluable pearls of wisdom. Make sure you're subscribed wherever you get your favorite podcasts so you can be the first to hear our new episodes.

Dental misinformation is spreading fast across social media, and it is challenging evidence-based care. On this episode of Dental Sound Bites, we explore how dental professionals can talk to their patients and counter false claims with science, empathy, and clinical authority.   

Special Guests:  

• Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille  

• Dr. Ashley Lerman 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Whether you're in job search mode or looking to start fresh, learn how to manage the big challenges like relocating your practice, your license and your life. What you need to know before you make your next career move.

Special Guests: Dr. Tannaz Malekzadeh, and Dr. Kafi Charles

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Feeling frustrated about contracts and fees? Don't know how to break up with your provider? We're bringing in experts with tips to help you become a negotiating pro!

Special Guests: Dr. Christopher Bulnes and Dr. Sara Stuefen

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

An episode that's all about giving back. Hear from dentists making an impact locally, nationally, and globally, and discover how service not only sharpens your skills but also strengthens our entire profession.

Special Guest: Dr. Rubin Sorrell II

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A look at the top challenges and trends for dentists in 2024. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares industry predictions to help you prepare for what's coming.

Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Join us as we explore the fine line between being great at what we do and taking perfectionism a little too far. It's no secret that dentists are perfectionists - in school, in our jobs, in our lives. We're talking about the pressures we put on ourselves, how that pressure impacts our mental health, and strategies for fighting the urge to pursue perfection.

Special Guest: Dr. Erick Block

Featured Guest: Dr. Anna Craig, clinical psychologist

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Dr. Mina Ghorbani joins us to dive into the fascinating world of AI and dentistry. We're taking a look at the new applications and innovations shaping the industry today and the advancements we can look forward to in the future.

Special Guest: Dr. Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

No one likes to talk about their student loan debt, but we're doing it anyway! We've brought in a debt expert to guide us through the latest student debt policy updates, repayment strategies and resources to help you crush your debt and get on with your life.

Special Guests: Shafa Nathani, ASDA President 2023-24,  and Janet Fields, Laurel Road

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

This podcast is produced for information purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation of any product.  Laurel Road, GradFin, KeyBank and its affiliates are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting or tax advice or recommendations in this podcast. The information contained in this recording may not be current, and Laurel Road has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Neither Laurel Road nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, of any kind, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this podcast and expressly disclaims any and all liabilities around such. Laurel Road and GradFin are brands of KeyBank. www.laurelroad.com/partnerships/ada

Every dentist has a tale that haunts them, whether it's a ghoulish case, a ghosting patient or just an awkward interaction that made us want to scream. In this special Halloween episode, taped live at SmileCon 2023 in Orlando, we're confronting those difficult (and sometimes scary) situations and discussing how we handled them, what we might have done differently and what we've learned. Dim the lights, grab your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink, and get ready to howl (with laughter)!

Special Guest: Dr. Simone Ellis

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We all fail sometimes. In this episode, we're sharing our failures - big and small - and celebrating the things they taught us. Grab your party hats: It's time for a Fail-ebration!

Special Guest: Dr. Jarod Johnson

Featured Guest: Dr. Julie Spaniel

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Dental Sound Bites is an ADA podcast created for dentists, by dentists. Join our hosts, representing different paths in their careers, for real talk on dentistry's daily wins and sticky situations. Tune in to benefit from the wisdom of your peers and share some laughs along the way. Come for the camaraderie, stay for insightful discussions with leading experts from our industry and beyond.

Returning October 17!

We're talking about dollars and decisions. From the latest information on student loans, to how to start strong and set yourself up for success as new practice owner. 

Special Guests: 

• Dr. Michael Jerkins 

• Alex Macielak 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We get to ask a lot of questions on this show, but now the tables have turned! In our last episode of Season 2, we're answering listener questions about dental school, mentorship, and our favorite lessons from this season!

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Where do you go for answers when you have a tough clinical question? We're getting an inside look at cutting-edge testing, new recommendations and inventions from the ADA Science and Research Institute (ADASRI) that will change the way you practice.

Plus, we'll hear the answers to the questions dentists ask the ADA's science team most frequently – about pregnancy, antibiotics, teledentistry and more. We'll also talk about how you – yes, you! – can join in on the work they're doing from the comfort of your own home by participating in our ACE Panels.

Special Guest: Dr. Mia Geisinger

Featured Guest: Dr. Scott Howell

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

Some big life changes are planned, and others seem to come out of nowhere. Even with our best laid plans, we may have to pivot. In this episode, we're talking with an employment law expert about what you can do to prepare for live changes like parental leave and disability, and the programs, legislation and regulations that may be available to help you. Tune in for insights and advice to help you take control of your future.

Special Guest: Cathryn E. Albrecht, ADA's Senior Associate General Counsel 

Featured Guest: Gina Goodreau, Protective Insurance

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

The information provided on this episode does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

Episode Description: Our career pathways conversation continues! We're looking at how to navigate the dental practice market. From buying your own practice to joining a DSO, we'll hear from dentists who have gone through it, and learn more about the ins and outs of these career pathways in dentistry. 

Special Guest: Dr. Simon Wu

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

How did you decide which direction you wanted your dental career to take?

Solo owner, small group practice, DSO?

A medical setting or a Federally Qualified Health Center?

Faculty or Military?

So many practice options! Where do you start?

Join us in the first of a two part dental career exploration as we talk to dentists who chose different paths, and dig deeper into how those choices fit their career interests, lifestyles and goals. Our hosts will also be testing out the newest career pathways quiz from the ADA Member App and share their results during the podcast!

Special Guest: Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We know that dentistry can be a demanding profession with long hours, high stress levels and the pressure to provide top-quality care to patients. But taking care of your own needs is just as important as taking care of your patients. Join our expert guest, Dr. Diana Dill, licensed coach and consulting psychologist for the ADA Wellness Ambassadors program, to discuss stress management, self-care, and building a supportive community to help you maintain a healthy mind-body.

Special Guest: Dr. Diana Dill, licensed coach and consulting psychologist for ADA Wellness Ambassadors program.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

In this episode, we'll guide you through strategies to manage sticky communication situations in the dental office. We'll explore practical strategies and way to improve communication skills to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.

Special Guest: Tiffany Olson

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

We had such a great time with this topic in season one that we wanted more! We're talking awkward, strange, sticky situations with patients or peers in the dental office. We'll dive into the stories, and the strategies on how to stay professional and compassionate in challenging situations, how to set boundaries, and ensure safety for all.

Special Guests: Dr. Stephanie R. Ganter and Dr. Robert McNeill (hosts of Between Two Teeth podcast)

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

In an ADA Dental Sound Bites first, we're joining forces with our sister podcast, "Tooth Talk," and diving into all thing's advocacy: what it is, what it does and how it's changing the profession. Plus- we explore five simple ways you can get involved right now.

Special Guests: Sarah Milligan and Peter Aiello (hosts of ADA's Tooth Talk podcast)

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

The ADA's resident dental insurance experts are here to share billing guidance, resources for contract support and insight on how the big ballot win with Massachusetts's "Question 2" could shake up the insurance game nationwide. Special Guests: Dr. Sara Stuefen, and Dennis McHugh, ADA's manager of third-party payer advocacy.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

Uncomfortable conversations, sticky situations, cringe-worthy moments, and the million-dollar question: what's the right thing to do? We're exploring the ethics of your dental ethical dilemmas. 

Special Guests: 

• Dr. James Purvis 

• Dr. Connie Wang 

• Mr. Jaylon Johnson 

• Dr. Akeadra Bell 

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

New year, new budgets, new habits! Learn how to avoid the kiss of debt and what it takes to become a millionaire. Special guest: Stephen B. Dunbar III, J.D., CLU, executive vice president, Equitable Advisors.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

Stephen B. Dunbar III is a financial professional who offers securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, S.I.P.C, offers investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an S.E.C.-registered investment advisor, and offers annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC.  Equitable Advisors and Equitable Network are affiliated companies and do not provide tax or legal advice or services. 

There are times when dentistry can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. For many, the busy holiday season is one of those times. The holidays can bring with it stressful moments personally and professionally. In this episode, you'll find self-care and wellness resources and tips from guest Dr. Alex Barrera, a member of ADA Wellness Ambassador program to help you incorporate wellness into your everyday life.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

As the holidays approach and 2022 is winding down, it's a good time to reflect personally and professionally on how to grow the dental community and network more effectively. Guest Dr. Cathy Hung joins the hosts to talk about making more powerful connections with colleagues and patients now and in the year to come.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites

Dentistry is changing. From the demographics of new dentists entering the profession to new challenges, we're diving into the data to see what's coming next. Plus, special Guest Marko Vujicic, Chief Economist and VP of ADA's Health Policy Institute, on the three big opportunities in dentistry right now.

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/publications/dental-sound-bites