3 Top Ways DSOs Can Drive Profitability in 2025

This article was written by Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, and originally published in Dentistry Today.

The dental industry has long operated on outdated systems and software that are fundamentally broken, siloed, and inefficient.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 support 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 major roadblocks to increasing profitability. 

For DSOs to achieve financial gains and growth in 2025, it’s time to challenge old assumptions and embrace new approaches that improve efficiency and patient engagement. Discover how your organization can build a stronger foundation for the future.

3 Ways Your DSO Can Boost Profitability in 2025

Here are three powerful strategies to help DSOs move beyond outdated practices and adopt forward-thinking solutions that will improve your bottom line:

1. Adopt an open API system.

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? 

“Enhanced and open APIs means we’re unlocking a new era of customization and interoperability for our DSO,” explained Rod Ganjifard, senior manager of SRE and IT infrastructure at Planet DDS. “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 dental practice 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 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.

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.  

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 services. 

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.