Dental professionals are discovering new opportunities to foster growth and solve some of the industry’s most pressing challenges this year.
Five opportunities for growth and improvement in the dental industry:
Dental assistant support
A recent Dentalpost report found that while there is a positive influx of dental assistants entering the field, improvements in compensation, culture and workload are needed for stable retention.
Forty-seven percent of dental assistants are reportedly considering changing jobs within the next two years. Among those considering changing jobs, 84% cite higher pay as a primary motivation, followed by better benefits and seeking a more appreciative employer.
DSO acquisitions
TUSK Practice Sales’ “Dental Market Report” for the second quarter of 2026 showed that several states have more than 40% of active dentists aged 55 and older, representing one of the largest potential seller pools in the dental M&A market to date. This means that although the DSO field is currently experiencing a high-demand, low-supply environment, the market could soon shift to favor DSOs once those dentists begin the sales process.
De novos
DSOs are beginning to invest more in de novos for the unique benefits these offices bring. Launching new practices is often seen as a way for DSOs to maintain consistency across their brands while also serving as a major cost-saving strategy for companies that want to continue expansion amid a tough macroeconomic environment.
Smile Partners opened its first de novo office earlier this year as part of a new growth strategy that breaks away from its traditional approach involving acquisitions. Park Dental Partners said it plans to use funds raised through its recent initial public offering to support various revenue-building initiatives, including opening de novo offices in existing markets. PDS Health also said it plans to stick to its long-term growth strategy involving de novos, with plans to open more than 100 practices in 2026.
Artificial intelligence
DSOs and private practices continue to track the growing use of AI in healthcare and its potential for enhancing patient care and increasing operational efficiency.
Several DSOs have rolled out AI platforms across their network in recent months, including Aspen Dental, PDS Health and Sonrava Health.
New initiatives have also been launched to support the implementation of AI in dentistry. Dental artificial intelligence company Pearl partnered with RipeGlobal to help educate dental professionals on successfully implementing AI at their practices. Videa, which previously focused on DSOs, recently expanded its AI platform to private dental practices as well. Additionally, the American Dental Association is pushing for increased federal investment and support to help boost small and rural practices’ adoption of AI tools.
Dental anesthesia
Dental sedation is emerging as a significant opportunity for anesthesia leaders, particularly certified registered nurse anesthetists. This trend is mostly driven by older adults who prefer to complete full-mouth implant work in a single day under sedation rather than spreading treatment across six months. This demand has opened the door to flexible, cash-pay service models.
The trend is also attracting investor interest. Private equity firm Havencrest Capital Management recently completed a majority recapitalization of Worthington, Ohio-based OFFOR Health, a provider of anesthesia services for complex dental procedures. The company integrates clinical teams — including anesthesiologists, post-anesthesia care unit nurses and paramedics — directly into dental practices, allowing pediatric patients to receive timely care without the long wait times associated with hospital operating rooms.
Technology is following suit. In September, France-based dental device manufacturer Dentalhitec announced the U.S. launch of its computer-guided dental anesthesia system, QuickSleeper5, after receiving FDA clearance. The system delivers intraosseous anesthesia for immediate, precise numbness, enabling dentists to treat patients without delays while avoiding unwanted facial numbness.
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.
