Companies in this industry provide general and specialized dentistry services. Major companies include US-based American Dental Partners, Smile Brands Group (Bright Now!, Castle Dental, and Monarch Dental), and Western Dental Services, along with Lumino Dental (New Zealand), Bupa Dental Care (UK), and Odontoprev (Brazil).

Demand for dental services is driven largely by population growth, especially among children ages 5 to 19, who may require prophylactic and orthodontic work, and adults over 55, who may need more specialized dental work. Profitability depends on efficient operations. Large practices have advantages in marketing, purchasing, and being able to offer a wider range of services. Small practices can compete successfully by providing superior service or by focusing on an underserved region. The US industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest practices generate about 5% of revenue.

Dentists practicing general dentistry provide amalgam and composite fillings, regular teeth cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sealants, and oral surgery. Other services include orthodontics, gum disease treatment, maxillofacial surgery, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy, tobacco cessation and nutrition counseling, crowns and bridges, dentures, and dental implants.