Dental service organisations are reassessing their expansion plans as they navigate challenges that could limit growth this year. While 69 percent of DSOs plan to increase acquisition activity, several structural obstacles may constrain their progress.

Supply constraints and market challenges

The availability of practices for acquisition has become a primary concern for DSOs. With fewer practices coming to market, organisations pursuing aggressive growth targets face reduced opportunities to expand their networks. This supply shortage directly conflicts with the acquisition ambitions of the majority of DSOs entering 2026.

Strategic reassessment in the DSO sector

DSO executives are reconsidering their investment priorities and long-term strategies in response to these emerging threats. The mismatch between acquisition appetite and available inventory has prompted a broader rethinking of how organisations will pursue growth in the current market environment. DSO leaders are evaluating alternative approaches to expansion that may not rely solely on practice acquisitions.