What The Data Really Says About Orthodontics in 2026 with Chris Bentson

Orthodontic practice management expert Chris Bentson, Founder, Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, joins hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein on the Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast to analyze the competitive landscape facing private practice orthodontics in 2026. With nearly four decades of experience in practice valuation and business strategy, Bentson shares critical data showing 3.5% growth in patient starts after three years of decline. The conversation explores how DSO consolidation is reshaping the specialty, why digital orthodontics technology is essential for differentiation, and what data-driven decision-making reveals about successful practices versus struggling ones. Bentson discusses the impact of federal student loan caps on new residents, the lifecycle of consolidation, and why practices that embrace consumer experience innovations, such as remote monitoring, consistently outperform competitors across every operational metric. What you will Learn in this Episode: ✅ How independent orthodontic practices can compete effectively against corporate consolidation by leveraging digital technology and improving the consumer experience throughout the patient journey ✅ Why practices that engage with consultants and implement data-driven decision making consistently outperform in every operational and financial metric, including practice overhead management ✅ What the latest industry data reveals about practice growth strategies for 2026, including why patient starts are finally showing positive growth after three consecutive years of decline ✅ How new federal student loan caps will impact residents and create opportunities for marketing for orthodontists who want to attract young doctors seeking private practice Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Discussion featuring orthodontic practice management expert Chris Bentson, discussing data-driven decision making that will shape private practice orthodontics in 2026 08:33 The competitive reality for private practice orthodontics, the impact of DSO consolidation and increased overhead pressure 11:36 2025 growth data showing a 3.5% increase in production and 2% growth in patient starts, signaling positive momentum for orthodontic practice management in 2026 19:02 Discussion of why only 20% of orthodontists engage consultants, OSOs and DSOs, and data-driven decision-making and marketing for orthodontists 23:31 Analysis of new federal student loan caps, including how private practice orthodontics owners can attract young doctors and the future of practice valuation 30:31 Digital orthodontics investment strategy for new practice owners, using both custom braces and clear aligner therapy, is necessary 39:26 Discovering the “Why” in becoming an orthodontist KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The competitive landscape for private practice orthodontics demands that doctors differentiate beyond "we do braces and aligners"—successful practices embrace digital technology, improve consumer experience, and implement data-driven decision making to outperform the industry average growth of 3.5% 💎 DSO consolidation is in its sixth inning, with only two major aggregators completing recapitalization events, while the consolidation rate is slowing and expected to cap around 30% of the specialty, leaving ample opportunity for independent ownership 💎 New orthodontists should invest comprehensively in digital orthodontics with deep penetration in either custom braces or clear aligner therapy to justify technology costs through reduced staffing needs, fewer appointments, and shorter treatment times RESOURCES MENTIONED: Bentson, Copple, Patterson and Associates - Website https://bcp-advisors.com/ Chris Bentson - LinkedIn   / chris-bentson-98313210   People + Practice - Website https://www.pplpractice.com/ Practice Talk https://www.pplpractice.com/insights/... Dr. Leon Klempner - People + Practice https://www.pplpractice.com/wp-conten... #orthodontics #OrthodonticPractice #IndependentOrthodonticPractices #KLOwen #Grin