GoKawiilStudy finds private equity dental ownership tied to higher prices, fewer dentists per office
A Health Services Research analysis led by Marko Vujicic examined dental practices acquired by private equity firms, finding PE investment in dentistry has grown sharply since 2013, totaling about $4.4 billion between 2004 and 2021. The study found PE-owned offices tend to employ younger dentists, operate in less rural areas, and differ from non-PE practices in submitted charges and staffing patterns before and after acquisition.