January 30, 2026
As dentistry continues to evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by smarter operations, stronger team support, and technology that enhances patient care. To help Carabelli Club members stay ahead of what’s next, we asked several of our trusted vendor partners to share the trends they’re anticipating in the year ahead. From workforce experience to supply chain strategy to AI-powered patient journeys, these insights reveal where the industry is headed—and how practices can prepare.
Scrubs as a Strategic Asset for Team Experience and Brand
Parkley
“In 2026, dental practices are increasingly connecting the dots between how their teams feel and how patients experience care. Clinical work is demanding in ways most people never see, and scrubs either support that work or quietly make the day harder. As a result, scrubs have evolved from simple uniforms into a strategic tool for retention, patient perception, and a practice’s brand equity. With most practices now providing scrubs as a staff benefit, leaders are seeking higher-quality, longer-lasting apparel that delivers real value without adding administrative burden. This shift is driving demand for premium scrubs and standardized uniform programs that simplify ordering and unify the brand within a practice or across multiple locations. Inspired by performance athletic wear, Parkley integrates four-way stretch for unrestricted movement and antimicrobial technology to help teams feel confident, comfortable, and professional—because when teams feel good, that confidence carries into every patient interaction.” – Katie Beakey, Account Coordinator
Cost Control Through Stability, Simplicity, and Smart Sourcing
BAYLAB USA
“In 2026, dental practices will continue to prioritize price stability and reliable supply as a way to control rising operating costs. With another round of tariff increases expected on key infection-control products, more practices are turning to partners who can offer long-term pricing guarantees and consistent availability. BAYLAB USA is also seeing a strong shift toward higher-count value packs, with 300-count nitrile gloves growing faster than traditional 100-count boxes due to their improved cost-per-use. At the same time, practices are consolidating their formularies—often reducing SKU complexity by 30–50%—to streamline purchasing and reduce friction for teams. Together, these trends point to a future where practices rely on suppliers who deliver predictable pricing, dependable inventory, and operational simplicity.” – Rosalie Scalise, VP of GTM Strategy & Planning
AI Moves From Point Solutions to the Full Patient Journey
Overjet AI
“By 2026, AI in dentistry will move beyond isolated tasks to guide a fully connected, end-to-end patient journey that enhances both clinical care and the human experience with Overjet AI helping drive that shift. As AI-powered imaging becomes more integrated across 2D radiographs and emerging 3D CBCT analysis, clinicians will be able to surface disease earlier, communicate findings more clearly, and co-plan treatment in ways that deepen patient trust. Eligibility and benefits verification will happen instantly, removing financial uncertainty and creating a smoother start to every visit. Voice-enabled documentation will further reduce friction by accurately capturing clinical conversations in real time, freeing clinicians from tedious data entry. As these technologies converge, AI will fade into the background—allowing clinicians and patients to focus on what truly matters: informed decisions, personalized care, and better long-term oral health.” – Parag R. Kachalia, DDS, Head of Clinical Practice
The Future of Dental Labs Is Speed, Technology, and True Partnership
Cadmus Dental Lab
“Dental practices will increasingly rely on lab partners who can seamlessly connect technology, training, and turnaround time—and Cadmus Dental Lab is leading that shift. As the fastest-growing lab in the country, Cadmus is partnering with Align Technology to bring Lumina scanning technology directly to its partner practices, simplifying digital adoption and elevating clinical precision. Dedicated scanner trainers ensure rapid onboarding and guaranteed adoption while providing complimentary, hands-on CE to support teams at every stage. With a five-day all-ceramic turnaround, consistent quality, and real support teams you can speak to directly, Cadmus is redefining what “simple, fast, and reliable” looks like in modern dentistry. The future belongs to labs that don’t just fabricate restorations, but actively drive efficiency, confidence, and growth for their practices.” – Kent Billiter, Chief Revenue Officer
Looking Ahead
While each of these trends addresses a different aspect of the practice, they share a common theme: efficiency that supports people. Whether it’s investing in team comfort, simplifying purchasing decisions, or using AI to remove friction from care, the practices that will thrive in 2026 are those that take action today.
Explore these trends in more detail, connect with our trusted vendor partners, and see how Carabelli Club can help position your practice for success in the year ahead.