Growth & Innovation in Dental Care | CEO Insights with David Drzewiecki of Absolute Dental

Roy Bejarano sits down with David Drzewiecki, CEO of Absolute Dental, to explore the growth, challenges, and innovations shaping the dental service industry (DSOs). The discussion covers healthcare trends, technology advancements in dentistry, the expansion of value-based care, and how Medicaid dental programs are evolving.

David shares insights on healthcare leadership, the future of patient experience, and how Absolute Dental has built a successful all-in-one model for specialty and general dentistry. The conversation is essential for healthcare executives, investors, and dental professionals looking to understand the next phase of dental care consolidation and innovation.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & David Drzewiecki – The Evolution of Absolute Dental
• [03:00] Growth of DSOs Over the Last 10 Years – Market Consolidation & Industry Shifts
• [07:15] The Role of Medicaid & Medicare in Dental Care – Expanding Access & Reimbursement Challenges
• [12:30] Technology’s Impact on Patient Experience – AI, Teledentistry & Standardization
• [18:00] Value-Based Care in Dentistry – The Path to Greater Payor Engagement
• [24:45] Strategic Partnerships & Growth Opportunities – ACOs, Medicare Advantage & Direct Contracting
• [30:30] Specialty Dental Services – The Role of Oral Surgery, Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
• [38:15] The Future of Dentistry – Innovation, Expansion & Workforce Challenges

Key Takeaways:

• DSOs continue to grow, but misconceptions persist. Many believe the market is already consolidated, yet dental care still has significant room for expansion.
• Technology is transforming patient experience. Innovations like AI-driven x-ray analysis, teledentistry, and automated scheduling are improving patient access and clinical outcomes.
• Value-based care in dentistry is still developing. As Medicaid and Medicare Advantage expand, DSOs must engage with payers to drive cost-effective, outcomes-focused care.
• All-in-one dental care models enhance patient retention. Offering general, specialty, and surgical dental services in one location prevents patient leakage and improves continuity of care.

About David Drzewiecki:

David Drzewiecki is the CEO of Absolute Dental, Nevada’s largest Medicaid dental provider with nearly 40 practices. With a background in healthcare IT, revenue cycle management, and dental practice operations, he has led Absolute Dental through expansion, innovation, and strategic payer engagement. His expertise offers valuable insights for DSO leaders, healthcare investors, and technology innovators in the dental industry.



Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), Medicaid Dental Care, Patient Experience in Dentistry, Value-Based Care, Specialty Dental Services, Oral Surgery, Teledentistry, Dental Technology,