Planet DDS is a leader in transforming dental practice management. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Planet DDS CEO Eric Giesecke to learn more about the company.
Eric Giesecke’s Background
What is Eric Giesecke’s background? Giesecke said:
“I graduated from college with a degree in engineering, though I soon discovered that my true interests were elsewhere. This led me to pivot into the construction industry, where I had the opportunity to work on large-scale international projects in Afghanistan and Egypt during my twenties. These experiences, while challenging at times, were instrumental in sparking my passion for leadership and entrepreneurship.”
“Motivated by this newfound interest, I decided to pursue an MBA and then entered the world of search funds, with the objective of acquiring and managing a business. My first significant venture was in the bottleless water cooler sector, where I was able to lead substantial growth before I exited the business in 2017. Following this, I teamed up with a business school colleague to seek out our next venture, which, surprisingly, led us to the world of dental software.”
“Despite having no prior experience in either software or dentistry, we were drawn to the potential we saw in Planet DDS. At the time, it was a solid company with a strong product and an established customer base, but there was ample room for growth. We saw the opportunity to expand through strategic acquisitions and by addressing the growing demand for advanced technology solutions within the dental industry. Today, Planet DDS has grown into one of the leading dental software providers globally, serving nearly half of the top dental service organizations (DSOs) in the U.S.”
“As the CEO of Planet DDS, my primary responsibilities revolve around steering the company’s overall strategy and ensuring its successful execution. I work closely with our leadership team to craft and refine our strategic vision, always keeping an eye on driving both growth and profitability. A key part of my role is also to clearly communicate our goals and objectives across the entire organization, ensuring that every team member understands how their contributions align with our broader mission. This approach helps to foster a unified, focused effort as we continue to innovate and expand in the dental software industry.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Giesecke reflected:
“One of my favorite memories at Planet DDS was the recent launch of our Pioneers Program, where we celebrated team members who have been with the company for over 15 years. Many of these individuals were already part of the team when I joined nine years ago, and they’ve been instrumental in shaping the success of our company over the past decade. Creating this program and sharing their accomplishments with both the company and the wider industry was incredibly rewarding.”
“A business is only as strong as the people behind it, and I am deeply grateful to our Pioneers for their continued support and contributions. They reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our culture—where team members are encouraged to take initiative and make impactful decisions without unnecessary obstacles. As a leader, my priority is not only driving the success of Planet DDS but also ensuring that our workplace empowers everyone to make a difference. Launching the Pioneers program was a chance to recognize the vital role these individuals have played in our journey and to celebrate the collective spirit that has driven our growth.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Giesecke explained:
“Planet DDS has been a leader in transforming dental practice management through the power of cloud technology since our inception in 2003. At the core of our offerings is Denticon Practice Management, a cutting-edge, cloud-based solution designed to provide dental practices with seamless access to patient data anytime, anywhere. Denticon centralizes data and operations, allowing providers to focus on delivering exceptional patient care while also gaining comprehensive insights into their practice’s performance. With metrics such as patients seen per day, new patient acquisition, provider productivity, and appointment cancellations readily available, practices can optimize their operations and enhance patient experiences.”
“Beyond Denticon, we offer a suite of specialized solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of dental and orthodontic practices. Apteryx Imaging delivers advanced cloud-based imaging solutions, enabling efficient management and access to diagnostic images. Cloud 9 Ortho Practice Management is specifically designed to streamline operations for orthodontic practices, and Legwork supports new patient acquisition and engagement, helping practices grow their revenue.”
“Our solutions are highly scalable, catering to practices ranging from a single location to those with 100 or more, ensuring that dental providers of all sizes benefit from increased efficiency, productivity, and a patient-centered approach. In an industry where cloud adoption lags significantly behind other sectors—with estimates suggesting only 10-15% of dental practices have embraced cloud technology—Planet DDS stands out as a leader in driving this transition.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Giesecke and the team faced in building the company? Giesecke acknowledged:
“The recent Microsoft/CrowdStrike incident raised concerns within the dental industry about moving software to the cloud. This event created some hesitation among practices considering cloud-based solutions. However, we acted swiftly to address the situation, ensuring that our clients knew we were on top of the issue and that our systems remained secure and reliable.”
“By proactively communicating our efforts and demonstrating our resilience, we were able to reassure our clients and maintain their trust. This experience reinforced our commitment to being a dependable partner, providing mission-critical software that our clients can rely on for their practices.”
Evolution Of Planet DDS’ Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Giesecke noted:
“Since Planet DDS was founded in 2003, our technology has evolved tremendously, driven by a commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of modern dental practices. We started with Denticon, the first cloud-based dental practice management software, a revolutionary product at a time when cloud technology was far from the norm in the industry. By 2005, we had secured our first group client, Northeast Dental Management, which has since grown significantly and remains a valued partner.”
“In 2006, we introduced Dentiray, the first cloud-based imaging capture and storage solution, followed by Dentigram in 2007, one of the earliest patient communication tools in the dental industry. Our relentless pursuit of innovation continued with the launch of the industry’s first online patient appointment booking module, AppointNow, in 2009, and the introduction of web-based dental imaging in 2012 through Apteryx.”
“In 2017, Planet DDS made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., a testament to our rapid growth and the increasing adoption of our solutions. We continued to expand our product offerings with features like Advanced Charting in Denticon and the launch of Dentilytics, the first reporting tool native to practice management software, in 2018.”
“Our growth accelerated with strategic acquisitions, including Apteryx Imaging in 2020, Legwork in 2022, and most recently, Cloud 9 in 2023, which has allowed us to better serve the orthodontic market. We also embraced AI technology through a partnership with Overjet, ushering in a new era of AI-powered dental imaging in 2022.”
“Today, Planet DDS hosts one of the largest dental databases in the world, with our cloud-based solutions facilitating over $7 billion in production and serving the dental needs of over 75 million patients. This journey of continuous evolution and innovation underscores our role in revolutionizing dental practice management and enhancing patient care on a global scale.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Giesecke cited:
“Since our inception, Planet DDS has achieved remarkable growth and innovation in the dental software industry. Our journey reached new heights in 2023, marked by explosive 53% year-over-year revenue growth that cemented our position as a market leader. This growth isn’t just about numbers – it’s a testament to the trust placed in us by dental professionals across the nation.”
“A pivotal moment in our expansion came with the acquisition of Cloud 9, a strategic move that has significantly broadened our horizons. This addition has supercharged our capabilities, particularly in the orthodontic and pediatric sectors, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions to an even wider array of dental practices.”
“Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do, and 2023 saw us take bold steps forward. We reimagined Denticon, our flagship product, enhancing its features and user experience to meet the evolving needs of modern dental practices. Our partnership with Pearl to integrate AI-powered dental imaging underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dental technology.”
“We’ve also set new industry standards for data security and compliance. Becoming the first dental practice management provider to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 certification was a milestone that reflects our unwavering dedication to protecting our clients’ sensitive information.”
“But perhaps one of our proudest achievements has been the exceptional team and culture we’ve built at Planet DDS. We firmly believe that our success is intrinsically linked to the growth and development of our people. That’s why we launched initiatives like the Planet DDS Rise Program, which fosters a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Our commitment to cultivating talent and creating an environment where innovation thrives has not only enhanced our ability to deliver outstanding results but has also made Planet DDS a place where careers flourish and individuals can make a real impact in the dental software industry.”
“As we reflect on these milestones, we’re filled with pride in what we’ve accomplished and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. Our journey of innovation and leadership in the dental software space is far from over – it’s only just beginning. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in dental practice management for many years to come.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Giesecke about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“At Planet DDS, we take great pride in the success of our customers, and we’ve had the privilege of partnering with dental groups across the country to help them scale and optimize their operations.”
“One such success story is with Progressive Dental Management (PDM), a multi-location dental service organization in New England. PDM needed a robust, cloud-based solution to support their ambitious growth from ten locations to over one hundred. By adopting Denticon, PDM was able to eliminate the bottlenecks of outdated server-based systems, allowing for seamless collaboration across multiple practices. The result was not only improved operational efficiency but also an enhanced patient experience.’
“As Dmitry Burshteyn, Co-Founder of PDM, stated, ‘Denticon has been more than just a practice management solution for us; it’s been our foundation that fuels our success.’”
“Another notable example is Peak Dental Services, which has grown to 60 locations across two states. Before adopting Denticon, their revenue cycle management (RCM) team struggled with server-based systems that made accessing data and managing patient records cumbersome. Denticon’s cloud-based platform provided the centralized data and tools needed to streamline their RCM processes, ultimately leading to better financial management and a more efficient patient referral process.”
“Amber Collins, COO of Peak Dental Services, emphasized that Denticon gave them ‘the ability to view data in real time and create a roadmap for operational efficiency, goal-setting, and performance evaluation.’”
“Additionally, The Braces Place, an orthodontic practice in Lexington, South Carolina, faced challenges with their outdated server-based practice management software, which struggled to keep pace with modern technology. In 2018, they transitioned to Cloud 9, a cloud-based orthodontic practice management solution from Planet DDS. This move revolutionized their operations, providing reliable, streamlined access to patient data, improving workflow efficiency, and significantly enhancing the patient experience.”
“Laura Conrad, The Braces Place’s patient coordinator, emphasized that Cloud 9 has been instrumental in modernizing their practice, making tasks easier and more efficient while offering cost savings by eliminating the need for server maintenance. Today, The Braces Place enjoys the benefits of a reliable, cloud-based system that continues to meet the evolving needs of their growing orthodontic practice.”
“These success stories illustrate how Planet DDS’s solutions have empowered dental practices to scale efficiently, improve patient care, and enhance operational effectiveness. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in their growth and look forward to continuing to support their success.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Giesecke assessed:
“We support all specialties with our cloud-based software. Therefore, our total addressable market (TAM) size is the 150,000 dental practices in the United States.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Giesecke affirmed:
“What truly sets Planet DDS apart from our competition is our commitment to innovation, flexibility, and creating value-driven solutions that cater specifically to the needs of modern dental practices. At the heart of our differentiation is a strong company culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and an entrepreneurial spirit. This culture not only drives our success but also ensures that every member of our team feels empowered to make meaningful contributions.”
“One of the most exciting developments that highlight our innovative approach is the introduction of DentalOS, a revolutionary platform designed to transform dental group management. DentalOS breaks free from the constraints of legacy systems by offering a flexible and customizable ecosystem that allows dental practices to integrate diverse technologies seamlessly. Much like how Apple’s iOS revolutionized the smartphone industry, DentalOS is set to redefine efficiency and innovation in dental practice management.”
“DentalOS empowers dental groups to choose the best tools for their unique needs, enabling seamless communication between software applications through APIs, enhancing operational efficiency, and future-proofing their practices. This platform allows our clients to scale their operations effortlessly, improve patient experiences, and stay ahead of technological advancements without being limited by outdated systems.”
“By championing DentalOS, Planet DDS positions itself not just as a software provider, but as a true partner in growth, offering an open ecosystem that adapts to the evolving needs of our clients. We’re proud to lead the charge in this new era of dental management, where flexibility, innovation, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs are at the forefront of everything we do.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Giesecke concluded:
“As we look to the future, Planet DDS is committed to continuing our legacy of innovation and leadership in the dental industry. One of our primary goals is to expand the impact of DentalOS, our transformative platform that we believe will change dental practice management forever. By promoting an open ecosystem, DentalOS allows dental groups to integrate diverse technologies seamlessly, providing the flexibility and scalability necessary to adapt to the ever-evolving industry landscape.”
“We aim to further establish DentalOS as the standard for dental practice management, ensuring that our clients can customize their technology stack to meet their specific needs. This will not only enhance operational efficiency but also improve patient care and business outcomes.”
“Beyond the rollout of DentalOS, we’re focused on fostering strong partnerships and driving growth for our clients. We plan to invest in continuous research and development, ensuring that our technology remains cutting-edge and future-proof. Additionally, we’ll continue to prioritize our company culture, ensuring that our team is empowered to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”
“Our vision is to remain at the helm of the dental industry’s digital transformation, providing the tools and support that dental practices need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. We are excited about the journey ahead and are committed to being true partners in growth for all our clients.”
