The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists 295. The Future of Dentistry in 2026
Feb 9, 2026
A clear look at whether dentistry stays a viable career in 2026. Discussion of rising interest rates, shrinking reimbursements, and staffing crunches. Exploration of tech overload and growing monthly overhead. Focus on leadership, margin protection, and the shifting math of practice ownership.
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Polarized Narratives Mask The Reality
- Online narratives about dentistry are polarized between doom and utopia.
- Derek Williams argues the truth lies between those extremes and depends on context.
Ten Years Of Buying And Coaching Experience
- Derek Williams describes buying a practice in 2016 and still evaluating deals ten years later.
- He uses that experience to ground his view of how the environment has shifted for owners.
The Math Of Ownership Has Shifted
- The math of practice ownership has changed due to higher rates and rising costs.
- Increased costs and tighter margins mean small mistakes now compound faster.