2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for dentistry.
In this episode of Skytale Insights, Miguel Mireles, Greg Mahoney, Ben Hernandez, and Annie Robertson Hockey break down the dental trends in 2026 that owners, operators, and investors should be watching as the market enters its next growth cycle. After several years of operational tightening, many platforms are seeing that discipline translate into stronger same-store performance, better integration, and more scalable infrastructure.
The team discusses how the dental M&A landscape has evolved since 2023, when buyers became more selective and demanded proof of operational excellence, not just financial adjustments. As interest rates ease and capital becomes more active, well-run groups with sustainable growth and strong fundamentals are drawing the most attention.
Beyond transactions, the conversation explores how consumer expectations are reshaping dentistry. Patients want transparency, convenience, and consistency across every interaction. The group also dives into the continued strength of cosmetic dentistry and specialty services, the rise of practice-within-a-practice models, and the growing role of AI in scheduling, patient communication, and call handling.
Whether you are planning to scale, preparing for a transaction, or simply tracking where the industry is headed, this episode offers a clear, grounded perspective important 2026 dental trends to look for.