How many dental practices are there in the US? (2026 data)
Dentistry is one of the most actively consolidated healthcare verticals. DealSeam tracks roughly 380,000 registered dental provider records from CMS NPPES. Because NPPES registers providers rather than businesses, the count of distinct dental practices is lower — but the underlying market is still large and highly fragmented, which is exactly what dental service organizations (DSOs) and PE-backed groups are consolidating.
Within that market, the practices that command the strongest multiples have high recurring hygiene revenue, a transferable patient base that stays after the selling dentist leaves, a favorable insurance mix, and associates or staff who remain. Heavy dependence on one owner-dentist's personal production pulls valuations down.
DealSeam is not a traditional business broker; where there is a fit, it introduces practice owners to qualified DSO and private-equity buyers, with the buyer paying the success fee so sellers pay nothing.
Where they are: top states
| State | Providers |
|---|---|
| CA | 54,004 |
| TX | 31,550 |
| NY | 23,372 |
| FL | 23,069 |
| IL | 15,977 |
| PA | 13,468 |
Typical valuation: about 4.5x-8x EBITDA (2.5x-5x SDE for smaller, owner-operated businesses). See the full valuation & buyer guide.
Methodology & sources
Count reflects dental provider records in DealSeam's companies database sourced from CMS NPPES as of June 2026. NPPES registers National Provider Identifiers for individuals and organizations, so this is a PROVIDER count, not a count of dental practices/businesses (which is smaller). State is the provider's practice-location state. Use this as a measure of market scale and fragmentation, not as a practice census.
This is general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Related questions
How many dental practices are in the US?
CMS NPPES lists about 380,000 registered dental providers, but the number of distinct dental practices is smaller because multiple providers often share one practice. Either way, the market is large and highly fragmented.
What EBITDA multiple do dental practices sell for?
Established practices typically sell for about 4.5x-8x EBITDA; smaller single-dentist practices are usually valued on SDE at roughly 2.5x-5x.
Are private equity firms and DSOs buying dental practices?
Yes. DSOs and PE-backed platforms are among the most active acquirers, drawn by recurring hygiene revenue and a fragmented market that supports roll-up strategies.
Thinking about selling?
DealSeam introduces owners to qualified, funded buyers off-market — confidentially, and at no cost to sellers. Start with a private conversation.