Dental leaders have several reasons to be excited for the future of the industry as innovation and growth continue. However, new challenges are emerging this year that could be cause for concern.
Here are six trends exciting and worrying dental leaders:
Exciting
Hygiene staffing: The dental industry could be seeing improvements in hygiene staffing as job satisfaction and retention rates are on the rise, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Seventy-one percent of hygienists said in the survey that they are happy in their current role, up from 68% in 2024. Meanwhile, 73% of hygienists said they plan to stay in their current role. Additionally, 73% of hygienists said they plan to stay in their current role.
Payer accountability: States are continuing to scrutinize dental insurer practices as financial and patient care challenges mount. Last year, the American Dental Association reported that at least 18 states passed a total of 37 dental insurance reform laws as of October. The most common insurance issues addressed in the legislation include dental loss ratios, virtual credit cards, assignment of benefits and improvements to provider credentialing processes.
Becker’s has already reported on several similar pieces of legislation so far this year. Lawmakers in Alabama, West Virginia and Mississippi are currently considering legislation to adopt dental loss ratios. Additionally, Colorado legislators are discussing a bill that would require insurance carriers to obtain dental providers’ consent before renting out their services in an effort to increase transparency with dental networks.
Pediatric dentistry: Pediatric dentistry is proving itself to be one of the most resilient specialties in the dental industry, with the field experiencing a boost in workforce growth and financial stability.
The global pediatric dental market value is anticipated to reach more than $48 billion by 2033, driven by factors such as an increasing prevalence of dental disease in younger populations and government-supported oral health initiatives. Recent data from the ADA also shows pediatric dentistry has seen the largest increase in the workforce since 2001. The number of pediatric dentists ballooned from 4,213 in 2001 to 9,312 in 2024.
Additionally, several pediatric-focused DSOs have gained new funding from investors in recent months, including Vitana Pediatric & Orthodontic Partners, Lone Peak Dental Group and Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers.
Worrying
Medicaid cuts: States are beginning to weigh Medicaid dental cuts and coverage caps to address budget shortfalls, to the dismay of many dental leaders.
Becker’s has reported on developments in several states in recent months, including Massachusetts, Idaho and Colorado.
California dental leaders are also in the middle of a very prominent fight to protect Medi-Cal as the future of the program’s funding remains uncertain.
Gov.Gavin Newsom previously proposed cutting Proposition 56 funding — which directs revenue from a tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals who qualify for dental services through Medi-Cal — and redirecting the funds to address that state’s $12 million budget deficit. The state legislature later rejected the proposal, delaying any cuts until July 1. The Coalition to Save Our Dental Care, which includes more than 50 organizations, said future cuts would lead to the elimination of one third of funding for the Medi-Cal Dental program, and would also lead the state to drop to the 48th lowest Medicaid dental reimbursement rates for children in the U.S.
Nearly 50% of Medi-Cal dentists said in a recent survey that they would drop the program if the proposed cuts to provider rates take effect this year, according to a survey from the California Dental Association.
Private practice continuity: 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 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.
The ADA also reported last month that workforce growth among dentists has slowed due to an increase in retirement, which could lead to additional staffing challenges for private practices.
Dental assisting: Additional workforce challenges for dental assistants could be in store for the dental industry as job satisfaction declines and turnover increases.
Some of the challenges facing dental assistants include low compensation, workplace toxicity and a lack of appreciation, and being overworked.
Dentalpost reported that dental assistants are the likeliest dental professionals to be seeking new opportunities, with 47% 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.
