It’s Not Too Late to Register for the 2025 Exchange!

Independent dentists are being squeezed from all sides: rising overhead costs, shrinking insurance reimbursements, and the financial stress on patients themselves. On top of this, we hear from many you that you are concerned about new tariffs increasing the costs of new equipment and supplies.

The good news is that you don't have to face these challenges alone. By leveraging the power of a collective, independent dentists can gain the strategic advantages once reserved for large corporations without sacrificing the autonomy and personal touch that define private practice. Our upcoming Exchange meeting, in Louisville, KY, Sept. 10-13, 2025, is designed to address the challenges facing you as you head into 2026, empower you to succeed, and enjoy the practice of dentistry. If you are unable to join us for our 2025 annual meeting, we hope you plan to attend The Exchange next year.

Why You Want to Attend “The Exchange”

The challenges facing independent dentistry are complex, and the most successful strategy is to gain a competitive advantage by leveraging the scale and collective intelligence of a network. This is all brought to life at The Exchange, Smile Source's annual meeting. It's the ultimate hub for independent dentists to connect with peers, learn from experts, and discover new products and services that will help their practices thrive.

This year’s theme is Strength Through Connection, and The Exchange is designed to help you prepare for a more profitable and successful 2026. Here's why you don't want to miss it:

• A "Better Practice, Better Life" with ACT Dental: In 2025, we initiated a game-changing partnership with ACT Dental. While cutting costs is critical, sustainable success requires a proactive approach to business management and growth. This partnership unites Smile Source's collective buying power and extensive network with ACT Dental's proven expertise in coaching and education. At The Exchange, you’ll learn about the partnership and can personally meet the leadership of both organizations. You’ll learn about the tailored coaching, team development resources, and proven systems that help dentists create a "Better Practice, Better Life."
• Expert Advice from Industry Leaders: Get fresh, actionable insights from top speakers who will address the very issues holding your practice back.
• Collective Idea Exchange: This is your opportunity to connect with hundreds of other independent dentists who face similar challenges and share a passion for private practice. At The Exchange, attendees are friendly. They go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome. They are eager to learn and share advice.

Improve Profitability from Every Angle

The general sessions, business management presentations, and clinical sessions at The Exchange are designed to give you a clear roadmap for improving profitability from every direction. You'll gain access to expert advice on maximizing efficiency and revenue. At the 2025 Exchange, you can attend presentations like these:

• Tech That Pays Off: AI and Digital Workflows for the Modern GP: Co-presenters Jordan Reiss, Dr. Tim Bizga, and Dr. Jeffrey Osborne will show you how to leverage new technology and digital workflows to boost efficiency and profitability, ensuring your tech investments provide a tangible return.
• From Chaos to Control with Dr. David Rice: In his presentation, Dr. David Rice will provide a clear, actionable roadmap to conquer $240k in practice problems in under 12 months by identifying hidden financial drains and implementing systems for stability. 
• Safety Crisis Management: Active Shooter Training with Frank Beifuss, J.D. of Jarl Security
• Clear Aligners, Clear Profits: Mastering Millennials & Gen Z Engagement for Practice Success: Tracy Martin will provide a roadmap for maximizing your profitability with clear aligner cases by focusing on marketing to younger patient demographics.
  
  

Maximize Your Margins with Collective Buying Power

Today's economic pressures are forcing dentists to find new ways to stay profitable. The rising cost of labor, supplies, and equipment, coupled with the downward spiral of insurance reimbursements, creates a perfect storm of financial challenges. A network like Smile Source directly addresses these issues by providing the scale of a large group.

At The Exchange, you'll have the opportunity to meet our alliance vendors and explore your collective buying power. By uniting the purchasing power of thousands of members, Smile Source negotiates deep discounts and exclusive rebates on essential supplies and equipment from top vendors. This directly lowers your overhead and allows you to reinvest in your practice's growth. For example, you can plan to take strategic cost control in 2026 with alliance services that help control costs on everything from group health insurance to payroll and HR services, making it easier to attract and retain a top-tier team.

Invest in Your Team: The Path to Growth

The Exchange isn't just for doctors; you have the opportunity to bring your team. Many dentists have found that bringing their hygienist and other team members to the meeting is incredibly advantageous. When your team attends and earns CE credits, they become even more invested in the practice's success. Your staff will be equipped with new skills, inspired by industry leaders, and energized to implement change.

Presentations like "The Balance of Better - Smile Source Teams Exchange" by Kristie Boltz and "Marketing Is a Team Sport" are specifically designed to empower your entire staff. Other sessions, such as "Cariology Update for the Dental Hygienist" with Dr. Sophia Khan and "Moving from 'Just a Cleaning' to Clinical Excellence" with Gwen Smukowski, offer valuable clinical training for hygienists, which they can put immediately to use to improve patient care and productivity.

Combat Practice Stressors with Community, Connection, and Inspiration

This isn't your typical dental conference. The Exchange is designed for community and connection for dentists and their teams. In addition to a world-class speaker lineup, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Network with Peers: Connect with hundreds of other independent dentists who face similar challenges and share a passion for private practice.
• Engage with Vendors: Explore the exhibit hall to discover new products and exclusive discounts negotiated through Smile Source's collective buying power.
• Ignite Your and Your Team’s Passion: Leave Louisville feeling re-energized, inspired, and equipped with a clear plan to build a more successful and fulfilling practice.

By joining forces with other like-minded dentists, Smile Source members can combat rising costs, optimize their business operations, and continue providing the high-quality, patient-centered care they are known for—all while maintaining their autonomy. It's the ultimate way to stay independent, stay profitable, and continue loving your work.

It's not too late to register if you act now!

It’s all about Strength Through Connection. Join us in Louisville, KY, from September 10-13, 2025, to experience the full power of the Smile Source community, meet the ACT Dental team, and gain the tools you need to build a more profitable and fulfilling practice.