Private equity groups have begun to play a much larger role in dentistry over the years as the industry continues to consolidate and practice owners face growing financial pressures.
Several DSOs gained private equity funding in 2025 to fuel future growth and network expansion, including Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers and Motor City Dental Partners. Investors specifically targeted oral surgery MSOs due to the field’s growth opportunities and history of success. They’ve also begun to turn their attention more toward smaller DSOs.
Additionally, the percentage of dentists affiliated with private equity has nearly doubled over the course of six years. Amid this growth, private equity investors are seeing more challenges as states consider legislation to limit their power. California recently passed a bill that expands the attorney general’s powers to take action against corporate entities that interfere with medical and dental practices, including patient care decisions and coding and billing procedures. Pennsylvania also passed legislation to expand the attorney general’s authority to review and potentially block healthcare mergers and acquisitions.
Source: How private equity could influence dentistry in 2026 / Becker’s Dental