2026 Dental Trends Outlook Report
Care that moves you forward
The practices that lean into new technologies and treat today’s challenges as opportunities to build for tomorrow are the ones that will lead the way. The report is your guide forward.
“This report reviews these trends through the lens of patients, processes, people, and profits — and explains why the time is now to invest in your team and tools. By doing so, you'll build a strong platform for growth and shape the industry's future. This report is your guide forward.”
— Brian Weatherly, CEO, Henry Schein One

What You’ll Discover
Better Attraction
Patients have more choices than ever, find out what drives their decisions and how to stand out.
Better Acceptance
Patients need confidence in their care, find out how to build trust and boost treatment acceptance.
Better Business
Rising costs and staffing shortages hurt practices, find out how smarter operations can solve both.

Better Attraction with Convenience and Connection
Attracting new patients drives growth, but the real key is keeping them and earning treatment acceptance.
“The real question you need to ask is: Once a patient walks into your office, are you keeping them for life or as long as they’re in your area?”
— Evelyn Lahiji, Chief Operating Officer, Children’s Dental
Fun Zone
Learn how to create an experience patients won’t want to miss.

Better Treatment Acceptance Starts with Trust
Patients need confidence in their care and clarity on costs. Leading practices use AI diagnostics and real-time insurance checks to build trust and boost acceptance.
"By offering solutions that make care more accessible and accelerate the path to payment for practices, we can solve much of the friction we're currently seeing.”
— Chris Butler, VP & General Manager, DentalPlans.com
Learn how to improve transparency and patient confidence.

Better Business with Smarter Support and Revenue Solutions
Rising costs and staffing shortages demand smarter operations. Automated claims and enhanced security help teams work efficiently and improve cash flow.
“AI isn’t so much replacing a role as it’s allowing the team member to do the work they're actually meant to do.”
— April Lowry, Executive Director and Clinical Manager, Clinical and AI, Henry Schein One
Learn how to grow your practice while creating a workplace your staff won’t want to leave.
Why This Report Matters for You
With actionable insights and proven strategies, the 2026 Dental Trends Outlook is your guide to thriving in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you’re an independent practice or DSO, this report is your roadmap to smarter patient care, greater efficiency, and a more profitable practice.
“Next year will be the golden age in dental, as the burden shifts from people to technology. Will you become the practice handing out hot coffee and scones or the AI kiosk at check in?”
Dr. Ryan Hungate, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer, Henry Schein One
1 Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry; Health Policy Institute, American Dental Association
2 AI Would Make More People Trust Their Dentist More, New Survey Shows; Forbes
3 Dental Workforce Shortage: Data to Navigate Today’s Labor Market; ADA
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