More challenges could be in store for private dental practices as the number of dentists considering retirement and practice sales grows, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including workforce, salary and practice management. Dentalpost surveyed nearly 3,575 dental professionals to create this year’s report. The survey was conducted from Aug. 29 until Sept. 30, 2025.
Dentalpost reported that mentions of retirement, practice sale and ownership transition are increasing among survey respondents. However, few dentists have reported formal transition or mentorship plans.
Thirty-five percent of dentists said they plan to retire within the next five years. Additionally, 19% of respondents described their career stage as early, meaning they’ve spent fewer than 10 years in the field.
Dentalpost said their data points to long-term continuity risks for private practices, but that opportunities exist for implementing structured succession planning.
