Howard Speaks: Built to Win by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA

Howard Speaks: Built to Win 

by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, publisher, Dentaltown magazine


Everywhere you look, people are talking about an economic slowdown. Inflation, interest rates, layoffs—you name it. But let’s be clear: we’re not in a full-blown recession yet. And even if we were, guess what? Dentistry isn’t just built to survive—it’s primed to thrive.


Why is dentistry recession-proof?
Because dental care isn’t optional. It’s not like skipping a vacation or eating out less. People can put off checkups, sure, but eventually, tooth pain wins. A small cavity ignored today becomes a root canal and crown tomorrow. And when the economy rebounds? That backlog of deferred care turns into packed schedules and record production numbers.

Even better, dentistry has an edge over other health care fields. People don’t “shop around” for ER visits, but they do for dentists. They choose providers based on trust, convenience and affordability. Practices that offer flexible financing, in-house membership plans or patient-friendly payment options will keep patients walking through the door—no matter what the stock market does.


The boom in aesthetic and ortho cases
Here’s another shift that’s making dentistry even stronger: the line between “essential” and “elective” procedures is disappearing. Orthodontics, veneers, whitening—these aren’t just cosmetic anymore. Today’s patients see them as investments in their confidence, careers and social lives. Whether it’s young professionals straightening their teeth for Zoom meetings or parents finally getting the smile they’ve always wanted, demand is growing. The best part? These are cash-heavy services that aren’t tied to insurance headaches.

Smart practices are capitalizing on this by making treatments easier to say yes to. Clear aligners, same-day crowns, smile makeovers—when you pair these with easy financing, you’re setting up your practice for major growth, no matter what the economy throws at you.


Tech and AI: Your secret weapons in tough times
If you want to keep your practice recession-proof, you need to run it like a business. That means cutting waste, maximizing efficiency, and embracing technology. AI-driven diagnostics, automated scheduling, digital workflows—these aren’t just “nice to have” anymore. They slash overhead, speed up procedures, and make it easier to manage your patient base.

Think about it: AI can analyze X-rays in seconds, catching early signs of disease that a human eye might miss. Automated patient communication keeps your schedule full. Digital workflows make same-day dentistry possible. The dentists who embrace these tools will stay ahead. The ones who don’t? Well, they’ll be left wondering why their competitors are growing while they’re stuck in neutral.


U.S. economic trends
Right here in Phoenix, we’ve already seen signs of economic recovery. Housing prices are climbing, construction is picking up, and while some sectors are slowing down, others are heating up. This pattern is playing out across the country.

In dentistry, we’re seeing a major surge in patient demand. During the pandemic, people put off treatments. Now, they’re coming back—only now they need more than just a cleaning. That small cavity they ignored? It’s a cracked tooth now. That mild gum disease? It’s advanced periodontitis. Practices that are ready to handle this influx are going to see massive growth.


The future is bright—are you ready?
Here’s the deal: dentistry is not slowing down. The pent-up demand from the past few years is turning into packed schedules, bigger treatment plans and higher profitability. The best dentists—the ones who invest in their teams, embrace technology and make treatment accessible—are about to see their best years yet.

Don’t buy into the doom and gloom. Be aggressive, be strategic and get ready—because the next big boom in dentistry isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
The Dentaltown Team, Farran Media Support
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: support@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450