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Navigating Rising Costs and Debt Strain in Dentistry with AI: A Proven Solution

5
November
2024

As the end of 2024 approaches, many group and solo practices are grappling with increased operating costs and debt strain due to high-interest loans. These challenges are particularly pronounced for small and mid-sized group practices (DSOs) with 5-20 locations. Rising interest rates have intensified the financial pressures on practices, leading to higher monthly payments and reduced profitability. This scenario often leaves group practice leaders feeling as though their revenue for the year is already locked in and it’s too late to adopt new systems to drive change. 

But what if there was still time to turn things around? What if, even at this late stage, you could improve patient outcomes and meet your revenue goals for 2024 and beyond? The good news is that AI-supported diagnostics, like those provided by VideaHealth, offer a proven way to make this happen.

The Problem: Rising Operating Costs and Debt Strain

The financial landscape for dental practices is changing. Many practices took out loans to expand or purchase new locations, and with rising interest rates, the resulting steep interest payments are cutting into their bottom lines. The pressure to manage these debts is compounded by the need to maintain high-quality patient care and operational efficiency.

This is a particularly acute challenge for group practices looking to grow. With margins shrinking, leaders often face difficult decisions about where to allocate resources, leaving them hesitant to invest in new technologies, especially when the perception is that implementing AI or other advanced systems takes time and significant financial resources.

The Solution: AI by VideaHealth for Immediate Impact

However, VideaHealth’s AI-powered diagnostics offer a solution that’s both timely and effective. By adopting AI, practices can streamline their workflows, increase case acceptance rates, and ultimately drive revenue growth without the need for long-term investments in infrastructure. A key example of this is seen in the rapid adoption by Heartland Dental, one of the nation’s largest dental health groups (DSOs), where 1,500 practices successfully implemented VideaAI in under ten weeks.

Here’s how AI by VideaHealth can help your practice navigate these financial challenges:

1. Increased Case Acceptance

AI-supported diagnostics allow for clearer, more detailed visuals that patients easily understand. This enables dental professionals to better communicate treatment needs, helping patients see the urgency and value of accepting care. The result? A significant boost in case acceptance, leading to higher revenue per patient visit. VideaAI’s intuitive visuals have proven effective in improving patient understanding and, ultimately, increasing case acceptance, as shown in the Heartland Dental rollout.

2. Improved Operational Efficiency

Finding ways to save time and reduce costs is crucial in the current environment. AI streamlines diagnostic processes, eliminating many of the inefficiencies associated with manual image interpretation. With AI automating routine diagnostic tasks, your team can focus more on patient care, reducing time wasted on administrative tasks and ensuring better resource management, even amid rising expenses.

3. Immediate Revenue Impact

One of the best parts of VideaHealth’s AI-supported diagnostics is how quickly it can be integrated into existing systems. Heartland Dental, for example, saw their practices consistently using VideaAI within just 10 weeks of starting the rollout. This speed of adoption means you can start seeing the financial benefits—such as increased case acceptance and improved patient satisfaction—within a short timeframe. In a recent article, Heartland Dental attributes part of its 2024 record growth to the adoption and fast rollout of VideaAI. And for practices facing high debt loads and operating costs, this immediate revenue impact can be the key to alleviating financial pressure.

It’s Not Too Late: Start Strong in 2025

While many may believe that revenue for 2024 is already set in stone, AI presents an opportunity to not only finish the year strong but also position yourself for success in 2025. The rapid adoption and tangible benefits seen by other group and solo practices make it clear that AI can have a real, measurable impact on both patient care and practice revenue.

By investing in VideaAI, practices can improve patient engagement, optimize operations, and drive more revenue—all while ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time. So, whether you’re looking to make an impact before the year ends or preparing for a successful 2025, now is the time to explore how AI can transform your practice.

Download our case study to learn more about VideaAI. Don’t wait—start 2025 stronger than ever!

Ready to Experience VideaAI?

Ready to experience the benefits of VideaAI? Contact us today for a demo and see how our custom-tuned technology can elevate your diagnostic imaging and improve patient outcomes.

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