How Process Debt and Disconnected Software Hinder Multi-Location Orthodontic Growth

GUEST: Kevin Simmons, Enterprise Sales Director for Cloud 9 at Planet DDS

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Kevin Simmons, Enterprise Sales Director for Cloud 9 at Planet DDS, to discuss the key findings from the company’s newly released 2026 Mid-Year Dental Industry Outlook Report. Drawing on data from over 8,000 practices—including 2,500 orthodontic clinics—Simmons breaks down the macroeconomic and clinical factors driving specialty and orthodontic groups to outpace general dentistry with a 5.5% growth rate.

The conversation dives deep into the operational blind spots that hinder practice expansion, specifically addressing the concept of "process debt" caused by disconnected legacy software. Simmons explores the striking contrast between case acceptance and case completion rates, explains how automation can alleviate clinical labor shortages, and shares how mid-sized DSOs can overcome infrastructure hurdles to build long-term enterprise value.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE:

— Specialty Growth Outpaces General Dentistry: Specialty and orthodontic practices are showing stronger financial resilience, achieving a 5.5% growth rate over the past year compared to just 1.8% for general dentistry DSOs.

— The Cost of "Process Debt": Relying on disconnected legacy software systems creates operational drag, high overhead, and front-office bottlenecks for expanding orthodontic groups.

— Tracking the Case Completion Gap: While case acceptance averages 61% across the industry, case completion sits at just 49%, highlighting the critical need for orthodontic practices to track treatment efficiency and timeline metrics.

— Combating Staffing Shortages with Automation: With 70% to 90% of dental offices struggling to fill clinical roles, implementing automated tools for appointment reminders and revenue cycle management (RCM) can keep patients on track while reducing administrative burdens.

— Standardization Drives DSO Enterprise Value: Mid-sized DSOs (20 to 50 locations) often hit an infrastructure wall; standardizing practice management software is key to unlocking further growth and preparing for future AI integrations.

CHAPTERS:

01:21 Introduction to the 2026 Dental Industry Outlook Report