ADSO Summit 2026: Key Takeaways

The industry is shifting away from acquisition-led growth toward site-level performance improvement. While selective M&A remains part of the playbook, it is no longer the primary driver of value creation.

DSOs are prioritizing:

• Increasing revenue per site versus total network volume

• Optimizing treatment mix toward higher-value services such as implants and orthodontics 

• Using performance data to identify missed diagnoses and close care gaps

• Improving scheduling, case acceptance, and operational efficiency

Treatment mix optimization is proving especially impactful. Expanding higher-value procedures can improve margins without relying solely on volume growth, with implants remaining a key area of focus.

Consistency across locations remains a critical lever. Variability in equipment, workflows, and capabilities can limit both efficiency and quality of care.

Leading organizations are addressing this by:

• Standardizing equipment and operatory setups

• Implementing integrated digital workflows 

• Establishing consistent clinical protocols

• Improving referral management to retain procedures in-house

This level of standardization can improve efficiency while creating a more consistent patient experience.  Advanced technology acts as a multiplier, but only when deployed on a unified foundation.

AI remains a priority, but the conversation has shifted toward practical application and financial impact. DSOs are increasingly focused on where AI can drive measurable outcomes.

Key areas of traction include:

• Marketing and patient acquisition optimization

• Revenue cycle management and claims processing 

• Clinical diagnostics and treatment planning support

• Workflow automation and operational visibility

Organizations with established digital workflows and strong data infrastructure are seeing greater returns from AI, reinforcing a growing emphasis on measurable ROI and EBITDA contribution.