Global Dental Industry Insights and Trends Ahead

The global dental market includes tools and consumables that help dentists to diagnose, treat, and prevent a variety of oral disorders, including periodontitis, gum disease, malocclusion, and cavities.

In 2024, the value of the global dental industry market was estimated to be US$37 billion, with experts expecting it to reach US$41 billion in 2025, and US$87 billion by 2032 – an increase of over 100% – representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Let’s examine this industry and find out what is driving its progress and what it will look like in the coming years.

What impacts dental market growth?

The key factors that are leading to the growth of this market include:

1. Health issues such as malocclusion, tooth decay, and the rise in cases of periodontitis, all of which considerably increase demand for the specific products used in the industry

2. Rising demand for cosmetic dentistry

3. Rise in product releases by the big players.

The industry will continue to grow, and with that in mind, it is important to keep track of the market, which is why we have gathered some of the major trends that are worth following.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnostics

By examining X-rays using machine learning and deep learning, AI technology helps dentists to detect cavities, gum disease, and even early-stage tumors with high precision, according to experts from the Department of Computer Science at the College of Computer Science and Information Technology in Saudi Arabia.

• AI helps experts to plan necessary treatments, monitor patients, and make decisions about dental care

• AI-powered virtual assistants can help patients to obtain the necessary information and schedule appointments

• AI can considerably reduce the time that dentists take to carry out various administrative or repetitive tasks, thus allowing them to focus more on their patients.

Credit: MDPI

Pearl and Overjet are the most popular AI-driven dental technology platforms utilized to analyze X-rays to detect issues and help dentists to spot potential problems early on. These two platforms have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

2. 3D Imaging

Three-dimensional or 3D imaging technology has significantly increased the level of diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency.

For intricate procedures like implants and orthodontic treatment, technologies such as Cone-Beam Computer Tomography and intraoral scanners provide accurate 3D views.

3. CAD/CAM and 3D printing

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are software processes used in the development and creation of digital models to make objects, which in the dental industry means the production of crowns, dentures, and aligners.

Here’s how it works in brief:

1. CAD software is used to design the 3D models of crowns, dentures, and/or aligners.

2. CAM software converts these models into instructions or toolpaths.

3. A 3D printer is then used to create the physical element.

The size of the global 3D printing market in 2024 was estimated to be US$19 billion, and experts expect it to increase at a CAGR of 23.4% from US$23 billion in 2025 to US$101 billion by 2032. While it is hard to estimate the percentage of dental components that are produced by 3D printers, the overall trend shows positive growth.

Clinics in the United States, China, Japan, among other countries are adopting in-office printers to reduce treatment times from weeks to hours, which significantly increases patient satisfaction and appointment accessibility while lowering lab expenses.

Check out the video to see how this technology works:

4. Laser dentistry

Lasers in the dental industry represent a minimally invasive procedure that treats cavities, gum disease, and oral lesions. Moreover, their use eliminates the need for anesthesia, and the healing process takes less time.

• The latest developments in laser dentistry have better precision and more focus on patient comfort

• Developments are also taking place at the intersection of nanotechnology and photonics, which will result in even more accurate and compact lasers

• For specific uses such as fast cutting, pain alleviation, and better sterilization, different light wavelengths (blue, red, and infrared) are employed.

In 2025, the value of the global dental lasers market was estimated to be US$371 million, higher than the 2024 figure of US$346 million, while projections show that this figure will almost double, reaching US$637 million by 2032, representing a CAGR of 8.0%.

5. Robotics

Robot-assisted dentistry involves combining a surgeon's expertise with robotic equipment that uses a visual system to find the area where the implant will be inserted to deliver a number of important advantages, including:

• Accurate placement of dental implants

• Improved patient outcomes

• Reduced invasiveness

• Possibility of quicker recovery times.

There are several types of dental implant robots:

• Active (e.g., YekeBot) – fully autonomous; dentist supervises

• Passive (e.g., Yomi) – operator guides all the movements

• Semi-active (e.g., Remebot) – robot performs surgery but requires assistance for mouth access.

6. Teledentistry/Telehealth (remote consultations) in dentistry

Teledentistry is a subset of telehealth and refers to the provision of medical treatment through electronic communication.

Benefits of teledentistry

Via teledentistry, people from rural or underserved regions could gain valuable clinical information about dental care, which includes consultations with experts and treatment planning. In a nutshell, teledentistry:

1. Reduces travel and increases convenience

2. Allows for remote monitoring and timely adjustment to treatment

3. Supports patient education on oral health.

Types of teledentistry

According to Care Quest – Institute for Oral Health, there are four types of teledentistry:

Type of Teledentistry	Description
Synchronous teledentistry	Real-time video calls for consultations, planning, triage, and referrals.
Asynchronous teledentistry	The patient sends images, videos, X-rays, or other recorded data to a clinician for examination via a secure electronic system.
Remote patient monitoring	This tracks dental health via a connected device remotely to reduce follow-ups and improve treatment adherence.
Mobile health (mHealth)	Uses mobile apps and alerts to provide dental education, notices, and access to better care.

7. Smart preventive devices

When mobile apps are utilized with connected toothbrushes and flossers, users can receive real-time feedback on their brushing habits.

• Toothbrushes equipped with numerous sensors provide the user with real-time feedback while they brush, and alert when they are using too much pressure.

• Some smart electric toothbrushes have entertaining games for children to help them to maintain the healthy habit of brushing their teeth on a regular basis.

One of the latest innovations is a special dental floss that can measure the amount of cortisol in saliva, which could make stress tracking a daily routine, according to ACS Publications.

Saliva is pulled into the gadget as the user flosses, goes through the handle to a tiny tab, and then this is distributed across special electrodes that measure cortisol levels, and all it takes is around 12 minutes.

Credit: Tufts Now

How are patient expectations shifting?

Along with technological advances, clients’ expectations in the dental industry are also changing.

This statement is backed up by the results of an online survey of 400 respondents undertaken by specialists at the College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan, and the Division of Periodontology at the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Among other questions, the survey asked the participants about the number of dental visits they make, how satisfied they are with the dental practice, and their expectations about dental product recommendations.

Here is what the survey showed:

1. Patients increasingly expect:

• Empathy

• Human connection

• Personalized service.

2. Patients want to be active participants in their oral health care, receiving practical, tailored guidance they can use between visits to the dentist.

3. Patients now view dental care as they do any other service industry and therefore expect a seamless, customer-friendly experience.

Sustainability Practices in Dental Clinics

Dental clinics are increasingly implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their impact on the environment, and in support of this, the American Dental Association has published 80 useful tips.

The tips are organized into several categories, including:

• Be proactive (walk, bike, or take public transportation to work, wear eco-friendly scrubs)

• Install energy-efficient products (mini-fluorescent fixtures, water-saving toilets)

• Switch to green products (shredded paper for packaging, less harmful surface disinfectants)

• Reuse and recycle (when using traditional X-rays, recycle lead foil, fixer, and developer solutions).

Research by Donna M. Hackley of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Jennifer Lucab of The Ohio State University/Nationwide Children’s Hospital, published in Global Public Health, suggests dentists should maintain high levels of patient care while also:

• Minimizing needless treatment visits

• Encouraging the use of recycled and biodegradable products, such as compostable suction tips, reusable sterilization pouches

• Engaging in responsible prescribing

• Using digital imaging and impressions instead of physical molds

• Using biodegradable resins and plant-based materials in 3D printing.

In recent years, there has also been a surge in the demand for personal care products that are environmentally friendly, clean, and natural, such as herbal toothpaste, bamboo toothbrushes, etc.

How Expert Networks such as RightAngle Support Dental Industry Stakeholders

The trends seem pretty clear – the dental industry is evolving together with new technology and shifting customer preferences.

It should therefore be no surprise that professionals and investors are seeking deeper insights in order to remain up-to-date with the trends and navigate these changes.

RightAngle – a platform that covers over 200 industries, connecting investors, consultants, and healthcare leaders with seasoned professionals across healthcare sectors, including dental practitioners, marketing consultants, and health tech innovators – helps them to gain valuable real-world insights.

Via one-on-one calls, surveys, and market research, clients can gain a deeper understanding of the latest innovations, emerging trends, and shifting market dynamics, which can further facilitate important decisions in dentistry.

RightAngle provides you with first-hand, customized insights from people who are on the front lines of the industry. Launch your project with us.