Last month, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, one of the largest and most influential events in the global dental industry. We were excited to immerse ourselves in the discussions shaping the future of dental care and to connect with partners, clients, and colleagues from around the world.
Beyond the insights we gained at IDS, our trip to Cologne also provided a chance for meaningful collaboration within the dental support organisation (DSO) community. In partnership with Women in DSO, we hosted a special networking evening that brought together industry leaders to exchange ideas, build relationships, and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing DSOs today.
Key Trends at IDS 2025: Growth and Innovation in Dental Labs and DSOs
The IDS conference offered a comprehensive view of the latest technological advancements and market developments within the dental industry. A key trend that stood out was the significant growth in dental labs and DSOs, both of which are experiencing a surge in demand.
Dental Labs: A Market on the Rise
The global dental laboratories market size was valued at USD 21.77 billion in 2023, and it’s projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for cosmetic dental procedures and the rising geriatric population seeking dental care. The growth in the dental lab sector is further fuelled by advances in automation and outsourcing, which help address labour shortages and reduce operational costs for dental laboratories. At IDS, we saw a host of new products and technologies that enable dental labs to streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and deliver higher-quality results. Innovations such as 3D printing and digital dentistry are set to revolutionise how labs operate and collaborate with dental professionals.
Dental Support Organisations (DSOs): The Future of Dental Practices
DSOs, or dental support organisations, have become a major player in the dental industry. These large dental chains or networks provide back-office and business support to dental practices, allowing dental professionals to focus on patient care while the DSO handles administrative tasks such as HR, finance, and marketing. As the DSO market expands, they’re also among the biggest adopters of new dental technology. According to Everything DSO, DSOs are reshaping the dental care landscape by bringing standardisation, efficiency, and innovation to the industry.
The DSO market is growing rapidly, with more and more dental practices choosing to partner with DSOs to streamline operations and improve patient care. At IDS, the increasing importance of DSOs was clear, with many exhibitors showcasing solutions designed specifically to meet the needs of dental chains, from patient management systems to advanced recruitment tools. This growth, paired with the sector’s adoption of innovative technologies, is helping DSOs deliver enhanced patient outcomes and improve the overall efficiency of dental care.
A Night of Networking: Partnering with Women in DSO
While the IDS conference provided valuable insights into industry trends, one of the highlights of our trip was hosting a networking evening partnering with Women in DSO. In partnership with this organisation, we brought together a diverse group of industry leaders for an evening of conversation, inspiration, and collaboration.
The event was an excellent opportunity for female leaders in the DSO space to come together, share experiences, and discuss the evolving role of women in the sector. The evening was filled with insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities that women face in leadership positions within the dental industry.
As a company, we are proud to be part of an industry that is increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion. The networking evening underscored how vital it is to create spaces where women can support one another and share strategies for overcoming barriers, whether they relate to leadership, work-life balance, or breaking through industry stereotypes.
Building Relationships and Shaping the Future of DSOs
The networking evening not only allowed us to connect with prominent industry leaders but also provided valuable insights into the future of DSOs. The conversations that took place were not just about challenges; they were about the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for those ready to embrace change and innovation.
For our team, these conversations reinforced the importance of our role in supporting the growth and development of DSOs. From talent acquisition to leadership development, we are committed to helping dental organisations navigate this period of growth and transformation. The insights gained from these discussions will undoubtedly inform how we continue to assist DSOs in building strong, resilient teams and organisations.
As we continue to support the growth of DSOs and dental labs, we look forward to more opportunities to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and contribute to the future of the dental industry.
To find out more about more about how Morgan Latif can support your businesses dental hiring needs, contact @rubibegum.
