Agenda

Chairperson's Welcome

Amol Nirgudkar welcomes you to Enterprise Dental Connect 2027 and sets the scene for two days of discussion.

Keynote: Presented by Patterson Dental

Have We Centralized Too Much, or Not Enough?

Centralization promises greater efficiency, stronger oversight and economies of scale. But when does it start getting in the way? DSO leaders compare what they have brought into corporate, what they have returned to the practices and how they are balancing operational consistency with local autonomy.

Getting Same-Site Growth Moving Again: What Is Actually Working?

Acquiring more practices is only one route to growth. Getting more from the existing portfolio is just as important. From patient volume and provider productivity to case acceptance and chair utilization, DSO leaders share the changes making the biggest difference to practice performance and how they are applying those lessons across their groups.

Case Study: Presented by Dandy

The DSO Power 7: Insights from the Industry's Leading Minds

Following their annual private meeting, a selection of leaders from the DSO Power 7 join us on stage to share their insights and perspectives on the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities. Hear what emerged from their discussions, where their priorities align and what they see ahead for enterprise dentistry.

Reducing Revenue Leakage Across a Multi-Site DSO

Small inefficiencies in eligibility, claims, denials and collections can become significant losses when repeated across dozens of practices. Where should DSOs look first? A practical look at identifying revenue leakage, reducing manual work and improving collections through more consistent RCM processes and targeted automation.

Is Fragmentation Holding Back AI at Scale?

With multiple PMS platforms, disconnected data and an increasing number of AI tools, DSOs face a difficult decision: consolidate their systems, integrate what they already have or invest in new technology? Leaders compare how they are tackling fragmentation, choosing which applications deserve enterprise investment and building an AI strategy that works across clinical and operational workflows.

Case Study: Presented by Medit

Choose Your Discussion

Join a small group of DSO peers for candid, facilitated conversations focused on the operational challenges facing dental groups. Choose from discussions covering same-site growth, technology integration, revenue performance, patient conversion, workforce management, clinical efficiency and other priorities. Share experiences, compare approaches and hear how other leaders are tackling similar challenges.

Day 1 Closing Remarks

Amol Nirgudkar reflects on the day's discussions and introduces the priorities for Day 2.

Day 2 Welcome

Amol Nirgudkar opens Day 2 and sets the scene for the final day of discussions.

Choose Your Discussion

An opportunity to exchange perspectives with fellow DSO executives on the strategic decisions shaping their organizations. Choose from intimate discussions on acquisitions and integration, growth financing, de novo expansion, leadership development, specialty growth and long-term investment priorities.

Case Study: Presented by Cherry

Panel: Presented by Rue Four

The Growth Plan Needs People. How Do We Build the Talent Pipeline to Support It?

With competition for dentists, hygienists and practice teams remaining intense, recruitment can quickly become a constraint on DSO growth. How are groups finding talent in competitive markets, reducing time-to-hire and building recruitment strategies that can support expansion? Leaders compare the roles of centralized recruitment, local sourcing and external staffing partners.

Can We Grow Our Own Talent as Fast as We Grow the Business?

As DSOs expand, they need more capable practice managers, regional operators and clinical leaders, not just more employees. How are groups identifying high-potential talent, creating meaningful career pathways and developing their next generation of leaders? From mentorship to succession planning, hear how DSOs are building the leadership capacity to support long-term growth.

Bringing Specialties In-House: When Does It Make Business Sense?

Adding specialty services can keep more treatment within the organization and create new revenue streams, but the economics don't work in every market. From oral surgery and orthodontics to implants and other specialty services, how are DSOs deciding where to expand, whether to build, buy or partner, and how to develop referral pathways that make the investment worthwhile?

M&A in 2027, What Makes a Deal Worth Doing?

As buyers and lenders become more selective, the fundamentals of a good acquisition matter more than ever. Where are valuations landing, how are deal structures changing and what makes a practice worth acquiring? DSO leaders and transaction advisers compare what they look for in potential deals, from earnings quality and provider retention to financing terms and integration risk.

How Do We Build a Patient Acquisition Strategy That Works Across Every Market?

A marketing strategy that delivers in one market can underperform in another. How much should be managed centrally, and where do local teams need flexibility? DSO leaders compare how they allocate spending, respond to local competition and patient demand, and measure performance across practices to make better decisions about where to invest.

Conference Closing Remarks

Amol Nirgudkar closes Enterprise Dental Connect 2027 with the key takeaways from two days of discussion.