The dental consolidation clock is ticking

About 75% of U.S. dental practices remain independent.

At first glance, that sounds reassuring.

But the broader trend tells a different story:

• DSO-affiliated practices grew from 8.8% in 2017 to approximately 13% in 2022—and are projected to approach 40% this year.
• In some states, more than 40% of actively practicing dentists are age 55 or older.
• In 2024, DSOs completed 161 platform transactions, up 10% year over year.
• And 69% of DSOs report that their private equity sponsors plan to increase acquisition activity again in 2026.

This is not simply gradual industry growth.
It is active capital pursuing an entire generation of potential sellers at the same time.

That does not mean every independent practice should sell—or that affiliation with a DSO is automatically the right decision or the wrong one.

Many practices remain independent and profitable because their owners carefully evaluated the alternatives and intentionally chose to stay independent.

The real risk is not being independent.
The real risk is being unprepared and unaware.

A practice owner’s most important question this quarter may not be: “Am I ready to sell?”

It may be: “If the right offer came along, would I recognize it—and would I want to accept it?”

Understanding your practice’s value, growth potential, operational strengths, risks, and strategic alternatives is not a commitment to sell.

It is simply good business.
It puts power back on your side.

The best exit strategy is rarely created at the moment an offer arrives. It is built years earlier, through informed decisions and deliberate preparation.

Are you evaluating your options—or waiting for the market to evaluate you?