TUSK Practice Sales Releases Q3 2026 Dental Market Report
TUSK Practice Sales has released its Q3 2026 Dental Market Report, analyzing dental industry M&A, valuations, and transition trends through the first half of 2026.
Charlotte, N.C. – TUSK Practice Sales has published its Q3 2026 Dental Market Report, offering an in-depth analysis of trends and developments in the dental industry during the first half of 2026. The report examines the operating environment, buy-side activity, and dental practice valuation landscape.
The report indicates that transaction activity in dentistry remained resilient through the first half of 2026, outperforming many other healthcare sectors. A minimum of 175 reported dental practice locations were sold to Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), private equity groups, and other acquirers. TUSK anticipates the actual figure to be higher as data is reconciled.
Industry consolidation continued at a steady pace, with the American Dental Association (ADA) data placing the dental industry at approximately 35% consolidated. TUSK projects that dental practice valuations will compress over time, moving from the current 5x to 9x+ EBITDA range towards a more conservative 4x to 6x range in the coming years.
The first half of 2026 saw significant high-level transactions, including debt restructurings, a new public listing, and major mergers among large players. Despite these top-tier deals, the report notes that the lower-middle market remained firm, with a broad buyer universe offering competitive terms for dental practices.
Kevin Cumbus, Founder and Partner at TUSK Practice Sales, stated that 2026 has marked the beginning of a rebound in dental M&A. He highlighted that the current combination of demand and timing presents a rare opportunity for owners of healthy practices preparing for transition or sale.