Here are six recent updates that have led to optimism and skepticism in the dental industry:
Good news
Graduation rates increase
The total number of dental school graduates has increased by 20.7% since 2015, according to data from the American Dental Association. Dental schools graduated 5,811 students in 2015, compared to 7,015 in 2025.
Dental benefit use increases
Just under half of the U.S. population (47%) visited a dentist in 2024, up from 46% in 2023, according to an ADA report. The report said utilization has risen steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic, but disparities by population group remain fixed.
Growth in pediatric dentistry
Although the entire dental industry has seen an increase in the number of dentists, pediatric dentistry has seen more growth than every other specialty in the field, according to TUSK Practice Sales. There has been a 126% increase in the number of pediatric dentists in the U.S. between 2001 and 2025.
Bad news
Dentistry M&A transactions decline
Deal volume in dentistry in the third quarter decreased by 7% compared to the second quarter of 2026 and 27% from the third quarter of 2025, according to Levin Associates.
Inflation challenges
Reimbursement rates and practice revenue are lagging behind inflation and expenses, according to TUSK Practice Sales. Reimbursement rates have increased 19% since 2021, while inflation has risen by 27%. Practice expenses have risen by 4.9% over the last five years, while practice revenue has only risen 1.4%.
Dental assistant job satisfaction rates dip
Roughly half of dental assistants are satisfied with their jobs in 2026, according to the Dental Assisting National Board. A lack of career growth, low pay and underappreciation are the largest factors driving dental assistants to leave the field despite them enjoying their profession. Thirty-two percent of dental assistants reported considering leaving their job.
