Top Trends in Dental Software for 2025: What Practices Should Prepare For

1. AI-Powered … Everything?

As the AI gold rush hits full steam in 2025, we are going to see AI being introduced to every touchpoint in healthcare. AI tools can already analyze patient records, predict treatment needs, and streamline scheduling. In 2025, expect to see AI-driven solutions offering personalized patient communication, enhancing treatment plan acceptance, and reducing administrative burdens. Every software vendor out there will say that they are AI-driven, so it is important to do proper research before you buy software that claims to be AI-driven.

Key Features to Watch For:

• AI Agents for Automated Patient Reminders and Follow-ups. This could be a revolutionary feature for practices that don’t have the time to identify the patients most suitable for re-engagement. AI agents can evaluate records based on learning models to take up patient re-engagement and re-activate patients.

• Predictive Analytics for Patient Retention. Another area where agentic AI can help is by learning about the key metrics associated with patient retention so that even before patients leave the office, practices can start a personalized re-engagement program.

• AI-Driven Diagnostic Tools Integrated into Imaging Software. This has already become popular with key AI imaging solution providers like Pearl and Overjet capturing the market with their proprietary solutions that can work with imaging systems to aid in early detection and clinical decision support.

Did You Know?
CareStack is launching an integrated imaging solution into the practice management platform. This system works with all major imaging sensors and is deeply integrated with Overjet’s AI solutions to provide class-leading clinical decision support to your office.

2. Cloud-Based Practice Management Platforms

Cloud-based PMS systems have been around for a while, but 2025 could be the year they go to the next level. With access to clinical and patient data, the cloud PMS systems can work with their customers to quickly and effectively deploy AI-driven technology solutions at scale to create massive improvements in efficiency and revenue growth. Another factor that will accelerate the adoption of cloud PMS systems is the constantly increasing threats around cyber security, forcing practices to take security seriously. These factors, combined with the ability of cloud PMS systems to help in easier decision-making by consolidating data, will keep cloud PMS systems as a relevant trend in 2025.

3. Enhanced Patient Experience

In 2025, more Gen-Z and digitally native patients will be stepping into your dental practice. The expectation of these new classes of patients for their in-office experience is different from the previous generations, and would require dental offices to think differently. Expect new software solutions to come out with integrated payment options, loyalty programs, 2-way texting, patient portals / mobile applications, and most importantly, integration to social media channels for posting reviews, as well as creating AI summaries for them. These platforms will allow patients to schedule appointments, view treatment plans, access billing information, and communicate with their dental team, meaning they would be a part of your cloud PMS system or be deeply integrated into them.

Innovations to Expect:

• Mobile-first designs for on-the-go access.
• Integrated payment options for faster transactions.
• AI chatbots for instant support.

You can upgrade your Gen-Z marketing game with this insightful article from CareStack. This guide will help you revamp your in-office experience for Gen-Z patients to retain them and create better outcomes.

4. Data Analytics for Business Growth

Another area where AI is going to be big in 2025 is Data-driven decision-making. Dental analytics tools with robust reporting capabilities already help practices track key performance indicators (KPIs), patient demographics, and treatment trends. Throw in the capabilities of AI to summarize and highlight potential improvement opportunities, and we are looking at a lot of possibilities in 2025 from these analytics tools.

Applications:

• Identifying revenue opportunities.
• Enhancing marketing campaigns.
• Optimizing staff performance and scheduling.

One of our favorite upcoming analytics tools is OSDental. They have the only solution built to consolidate key metrics from multiple locations or PMS systems and present them for accounting processes. This, along with the regular financial and clinical modules, significantly reduces the time taken by DSOs to analyze data and make decisions. And if you are talking to them, ask them about the Provider Payroll calculation feature. There is nothing like it anywhere else!

5. Interoperability and Open APIs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) already has several rules and programs related to healthcare interoperability, including CMS Interoperability Rule Compliance, CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule (CMS-0057-F), and the ONC Health IT Certification Program to name a few. But in 2025, interoperability will become an even bigger priority for software vendors in healthcare as practices adopt multiple software solutions, all of which would need to work together to train AI models to create meaningful outcomes. Expect aggressive release of open APIs to enable seamless communication between different systems, such as imaging software, billing platforms, and practice management tools. Implications:

• Reduces manual data entry.
• Automates workflows for improved patient experiences.
• Consolidates data for training AI models.

6. Focus on Cybersecurity

Sophos, a global leader in innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, released a sector survey report earlier this year. Titled “The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2024,” this revealed that the rate of ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations has reached a four-year high since 2021. Of those organizations surveyed, two-thirds (67%) were impacted by ransomware attacks in the past year, up from 60% in 2023.

In 2025, expect dental software providers to double down on robust security measures, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and real-time threat detection. Unfortunately, malicious actors are expected to double down and target vulnerable dental offices, especially older offices that have not upgraded processes, hardware, and software in a long time.

What Practices Can Do:

• Regularly update software and systems.
• Train staff on cybersecurity best practices.
• Choose vendors with proven security credentials.

Did You Know?
CareStack comes bundled with data encryption, two-factor authentication, IP whitelisting to restrict access and a lot more to help you stay protected from potential ransomware attacks. You will never lose your data, as it is always backed up.You can read more about it here.

7. Integration of 3D Printing Workflows

3D printing technology is becoming more accessible, and 2025 could be the year AI comes in to improve these software systems and integrate them deeper into practice workflows. Practices can design and manufacture crowns, aligners, and other devices in-house, reducing costs and improving turnaround times. Expect smart entrepreneurs to create automation layers into these software for even better efficiencies.

Features to Look For:

• CAD/CAM software integration.
• Real-time design previews.
• Compatibility with leading 3D printers.

8. Eco-Friendly Software Solutions

We talked about the changing demographic of the patient population, and the importance of Gen Z. Well, Gen Z has a strong commitment to sustainability, with 82% expressing concern about the state of the planet. They are willing to take action, with 72% saying they have already changed their behavior to reduce their impact on the environment. So if you have not taken sustainability seriously until now, this is the time. You can start by enabling paperless workflows and software solutions that minimize environmental impact, and proudly announce yourself as a responsible care provider to your target audience.

Examples:

• Digital patient intake forms.
• Electronic health records (EHRs).
• Automated energy-saving hardware features.

9. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Dental software is incorporating VR and AR to help practices present cases and educate patients better. Expect more integrations from dental software vendors with VR and AR hardware in 2025. As these hardware tools become cheaper, smaller and lighter, there will be more possibilities to introduce them into your chairside experience or for engaging patients at the front office. Expect integrations from leading software players to experimentally incorporate some of these hardware into the treatment planning and case presentation workflows.

Key Capabilities:

• Educating patients.
• Presenting treatment plans.
• Enhancing reception engagement.

Preparing for the Future

2025 promises to be an eventful year, as investments into AI could mean that software vendors are forced to relook at their existing value propositions for dental offices. To remain competitive in 2025 and beyond, dental practices will also be forced to adopt innovative software solutions that streamline operations, enhance patient experiences, and drive growth. At CareStack, we will continue to create solutions in 2025 that help dental offices to make better decisions, increase revenue and improve patient experiences. If you are looking for software that can do it all for your dental office, reach out to us at www.carestack.com/demo and we will be happy to assist!