Dentistry’s biggest players

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Several dental organizations have been recognized this year for their growth and performance:

Here are some of the top players in the dental industry in 2026:

Largest DSOs

1. Heartland Dental — More than 1,800 practices 

2. The Aspen Group — More than 1,300 practices

3. PDS Health — Approximately 1,100 practices

4. MB2 Dental — More than 800 practices

5. Smile Brands — More than 600 practices

6. Sonrava Health — nearly 600 offices

7. Smile Doctors — More than 550 practices

8. Affordable Care — Approximately 425 practices 

9. Dental Care Alliance — More than 400 practices

10. Specialized Dental Partners — More than 250 practices

Fastest growing companies

– Elevate Dental Partners (Denver)

– Dr. B Dental Solutions (Miami)

– U.S. Oral Surgery Management (Irving, Texas)

– Specialty1 Partners (Houston)

– Lollipop Pediatric Dentistry (Tustin, Calif.)

– Sunbit (Los Angeles)

– PlanetDDS (Irvine, Calif.)

– Next Level Consultants (Tacoma, Wash.)

– Wonderist Agency (San Diego)

Twelve U.S. dental schools ranked among best in the world

– University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

– University of California San Francisco

– Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.)

– University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

– University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

– University of Washington (Seattle)

– New York University (New York City)

– University of California Los Angeles

– University at Buffalo SUNY

– Tufts University (Medford, Mass.)

– Columbia University (New York City)

– Boston University

Richest people in dentistry

– Thomas Straumann, who owns a 17 percent stake in dental implant company Straumann

Net worth as of March: $5.3 billion

– Heikki Kyostila: president of global dental equipment manufacturer Planmeca

Net worth as of March: $2.3 billion

– Rick Workman, DMD: Founder and chair of Heartland Dental, a DSO

Net worth as of March: $1.6 billion

– Christoph Zeller, who inherited dental products company Ivoclar Vivadent and is a past CEO

Net worth as of March: $1.3 billion

– Simone Maag de Moura Cunha, who owns 3.5% of Straumann

Net worth as of March: $1.1 billion 

Best dental insurance companies

Best for out-of-network coverage: Anthem

Best price for benefits provided: Guardian

Best for dental cleanings: Spirit Dental

Best for no waiting periods: Ameritas

Best for orthodontia: Cigna

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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