Dentists Industry Profile

Companies in this industry provide general and cosmetic dentistry services. Major companies include US-based Smile Brands (Bright Now!, Castle Dental, and Monarch Dental), along with Calabrodental (Italy), Dental Corporation Holdings (Australia), Oasis Healthcare (UK), and Odontoprev (Brazil).

More than 1 million dentists practice worldwide, according to the World Dental Federation (FDI). Spending on dental services varies from country to country. In the US, dental services account for 4.5 percent of total health expenditures, compared to 8 percent in Canada and 12 percent in Egypt.

About 130,000 dentists offices operate in the US, generating annual revenue of about $100 billion. Moderate growth is forecast for the industry over the next two years. Key demand drivers include demographics, as an aging population requires more dental care, especially for expensive services such as implants. Other demand drivers include an increased interest in cosmetic dentistry.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand for dental services is driven largely by demographics. Children ages 5 to 19 and adults over 55 tend to need the most dental work. Profitability depends on efficient operations. Large practices have advantages in marketing and in being able to offer a wider range of services. Small practices can compete successfully by providing superior service or by focusing on an underserved region. The US industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest practices generate about 5 percent of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Dentists practicing general dentistry provide amalgam and composite fillings, regular teeth cleanings, ...