Oral Surgery Landscape Shifts with New Tech, Private Equity

Trends show growth in oral surgery field despite overall dental industry declines.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a human jaw, with glowing bones and teeth against a dark background, conceptually representing the advanced technology and specialized expertise of modern oral surgery.Cutting-edge imaging technology is transforming the field of oral surgery, enabling quicker, more precise procedures that improve patient outcomes.Chicago Today

The oral surgery field is experiencing significant changes, with new technologies improving procedures, private equity investment increasing, and the number of oral surgeons growing. Dental industry data shows oral surgery is outpacing other specialties in areas like private equity deals and DSO affiliations.

Why it matters

Oral surgery is a critical dental specialty that is evolving rapidly. Understanding the trends in this field provides insights into the broader shifts happening in dental care delivery, technology adoption, and the role of private capital investment.

The details

Key trends include a 9.1% increase in private equity deals for oral surgery in 2025, the number of oral surgeons growing from 6,358 in 2001 to 7,424 in 2024, and oral surgery having a higher DSO affiliation rate than other specialties. New technologies are also making oral surgeries quicker and more efficient, improving the patient experience.

  • In 2025, oral surgery saw a 9.1% increase in private equity deals.
  • The number of oral surgeons grew from 6,358 in 2001 to 7,424 in 2024.

The players

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A dental specialty that has continued to be targeted by private equity groups due to its growth opportunities and history of success.

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What’s next

Dental leaders and executives will discuss the evolving oral surgery landscape and other industry trends at the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable in Chicago on September 14-15.

The takeaway

The oral surgery field is undergoing significant changes, with new technologies, private equity investment, and growth in the number of practitioners. These trends reflect the broader shifts happening in dental care delivery and the increasing role of innovation and capital in shaping the industry.