By Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS
The dental industry has long operated on outdated systems and software that are fundamentally broken, siloed, and inefficient. These legacy systems may have served dental service organizations (DSOs) in the past, but they now hinder growth, disrupt workflow, and fall short of meeting the needs of modern DSOs, their teams, and patients—all of which are a major roadblock to increasing profitability.
For DSOs to achieve profitability and growth in 2025, it’s time to challenge old assumptions and embrace new approaches that improve efficiency and patient engagement. Here are three powerful strategies to help DSOs move beyond outdated practices and adopt forward-thinking solutions that will add more to your bottom line.
1. Adopt an Open API, Integrated Tech Ecosystem Approach
One of the biggest challenges to more financial success is the continued reliance on disconnected systems that don’t “talk” to each other. When scheduling, billing, and patient records operate independently, administrative teams are forced to manually bridge gaps, leading to wasted time, inconsistencies, and frustrated patients. These inefficiencies not only increase operational costs but also limit production by hindering productivity and patient satisfaction.
An open, integrated ecosystem enables your different tools to communicate, addressing these pain points. With an open platform that uses APIs, DSOs have the flexibility to adopt and integrate the best solutions for their needs without being confined to one system’s limitations. With modern technology, DSOs don’t have to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. How about a tailored-to-your-needs approach instead?
As Rod Ganjifard, VP of Technology at Onsite Dental puts it, “Enhanced and open APIs means we’re unlocking a new era of customization and interoperability for our DSO. This is exactly the innovation we’ve needed to enhance our operation. I can now build custom tools and workflows for our team of clinicians that will make their jobs easier and make the patient experience even more seamless.”
Open technology ecosystems allow DSOs to keep up with industry changes, adopt new tools, and scale without unnecessary restrictions, directly contributing to increased profitability. By moving away from legacy systems, DSOs position themselves for sustainable growth and resilience.
2. Tap Into Data-Driven Decision Making
Data holds tremendous potential for DSOs, but only when it can be harnessed and used effectively. Many DSOs already collect vast amounts of data, yet much of it remains unused, sitting idle in disconnected systems rather than being leveraged to help to drive actionable insights.
Platforms designed with powerful analytics that can integrate data across multiple systems empower DSOs to act proactively. From identifying scheduling inefficiencies to analyzing patient retention trends, data-driven insights can lead to significant improvements in the bottom line. For instance, a DSO might analyze data to identify patterns in no-shows and implement automated reminders, ultimately driving higher production.
For modern DSOs, being able to make business decisions based on analytics is not a luxury but a fundamental component of running a successful business. By making informed decisions grounded in clear, accessible facts, DSOs can optimize operations and improve their cash flow.
3. Prioritize Patient Experience to Enhance Retention and Referrals
Today’s consumers receive instant access and tailored experiences across many industries—from retail to entertainment. Why should dentistry be any different? DSOs that prioritize the patient journey, from appointment scheduling to post-visit follow-ups, are more likely to see higher retention and an increase in patient referrals, two key drivers of organic growth.
An open, API-driven platform supports this by providing a holistic view of that journey. Ophir Tanz, CEO of Pearl, describes how utilizing open APIs drives business forward: “We’ve been able to offer a more streamlined AI-enabled workflow that not only elevates patient experiences but also increases their productivity and AI utilization.”
Features such as automated appointment reminders, access to medical records, and self-service billing contribute to a smooth and custom experience, creating loyal patients who are more likely to return and recommend the practice. This long-term loyalty is key to staying competitive as the industry evolves.
Earlier this year, Planet DDS, announced the launch of AI Assist in partnership with Pearl. AI Assist is the first AI diagnostic solution to integrate Pearl’s FDA-cleared AI directly into Denticon, providing proactive diagnostic insights from dental imaging tailored specifically for DSOs and multi-location practices.
Prepare Your DSO for Financial Success in 2025
To stay competitive and drive more cash flow in 2025 and beyond, DSOs must break free from outdated, restrictive systems and embrace strategies that leverage open technology, data insights, and patient-centered service.
With a flexible, integrated approach, DSOs are better equipped to adapt to industry changes and deliver the high-quality care that today’s patients expect. By taking these steps, DSOs will not only improve operational efficiency but also unlock a new level of healthy, increased margins.
About the author
Eric Giesecke is the CEO of Planet DDS, a leading cloud-based software company for growth-minded enterprise dental organizations in the US. Prior to joining Planet DDS, he co-founded District Line Partners, a private investment fund created to acquire and operate a single attractive business in a growing industry. He also ran One Source Water, a bottleless water cooler firm, where he nearly doubled the size of the company in less than three years. Eric has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia.
