Dentistry now faces its very own set of rising challenges to the status quo. By themselves, these issues might have been confronted and dealt with successfully over time, without causing any great harm. But in the context of the wounded economy, they are raising the threat level for dentists dramatically.

Taken altogether, these factors comprise what I call the 8 Permanent Game Changers:

1. The Great Recession and Uninspiring Recovery
2. Changes in Consumer Purchasing Habits
3. Opening of New Dental Schools
4. Decrease in Insurance Reimbursements
5. Expansion of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs)
6. Higher Dental School Student Loan Debt
7. Fewer Associateship Opportunities for New Dentists and Specialists
8. Dentists and Specialists Practicing 10 Years Longer