Staffing challenges, DIY dentistry and lax insurance policies are among what dental leaders share are the most dangerous trends in the field today.
Six dental leaders recently spoke with Becker’s to share what they feel are the most dangerous trends happening in dentistry.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is currently the most dangerous trend taking place in the dental industry?
Robert Gershon. CEO of Convergent Dental: Given all the advanced technologies available in modern dentistry, the most dangerous trend that remains is “watching and waiting” instead of prevention and treatment. Advanced technologies now allow the general dentist to no longer “watch and wait” for a condition to progress but rather treat to prevent progression that can result in more invasive and expensive treatment down the road. For example, Convergent Dental released Solea Perioguide in 2025 that enables general dentists to use the Solea All-Tissue Laser to immediately administer periodontal treatments without the need for sutures and with minimal postoperative discomfort all at the avoidance of “watching and waiting” for periodontal disease to progress or waiting for the patient to visit a specialist.
Source: The most dangerous trends in dentistry / Becker’s Dental