News Summary
Orange County’s dental industry faces significant challenges with a 5% workforce decline, business closures, and bankruptcies among key players. Companies like Biolase and Sonendo have reported financial trouble, while others like Planet DDS express cautious optimism amid staffing struggles and technological hurdles. Despite overall employment dips, some firms have seen modest revenue growth. The landscape remains complex, with increasing regulatory pressures and evolving market demands shaping the future of dental services in the region.
Orange County is currently facing significant challenges within its dental industry, highlighted by a notable decrease in employee numbers and the closure of several businesses. As of July, new data reveals that the workforce in the region’s dental companies fell by 5%, dropping the headcount to 5,270 employees. This decline follows a period of stagnation in the previous year, where employee counts remained flat.
Among the most concerning developments, Biolase Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October due to a drastic drop in share value and subsequent loss of its Nasdaq listing. Additionally, Sonendo Inc. has encountered financial difficulties, requiring a corporate restructuring after being removed from the New York Stock Exchange. The Irvine-based InBrace dental firm has also ceased operations due to funding complications and broader macroeconomic issues.
Despite the struggling landscape, there are indications of resilience and potential for future growth in the sector. Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, noted ongoing staffing challenges, particularly in clinical roles, but remains optimistic. His company, a provider of cloud-based dental software, retained its workforce of 50 and ranks as the 10th largest dental firm in Orange County. Giesecke identified the slow adoption of modern technology as a key hurdle, and his company has made strides by launching AI Assist, a tool for real-time X-ray analysis.
While the overall headcount across all reporting dental companies in Orange County has decreased by 6.8% to 130,638, eight companies that disclosed revenue managed a modest 3% increase in sales, collectively totaling $6.8 billion. This represents a slight recovery compared to a 2.5% increase the prior year. Notably, PDS Health, formerly Pacific Dental Services, has emerged as the second-largest dental firm in the region, growing its employee base by 4% to 1,293.
The environment for dental firms in California has become increasingly complex. Stephen Thorne IV, CEO of PDS Health, expressed concerns regarding the regulatory landscape and cost pressures affecting business operations. The company remains committed to increasing its workforce across various departments to improve its comprehensive care services, with its support center in Irvine recognized as the largest within the network.
Another significant player, Envista Holdings Corp. based in Brea, has reported a 8.7% reduction in employee count but continues to hire in response to demand for its dental products. Despite navigating difficult market conditions in the wake of the pandemic, Envista recorded sales of $2.5 billion in 2024, a 2.2% decrease from previous figures. The company has proactively addressed clinician shortages through extensive training initiatives aimed at developing dental professionals.
Amidst these challenges, Envista’s philanthropic efforts continued, contributing $1.8 million in dental goods and services last year as part of the Envista Smile Project, benefiting over 32,000 individuals globally. The firm has also initiated a $250 million share repurchase program to enhance shareholder value, demonstrating a commitment to stabilizing its position in the competitive dental market.
As the Orange County dental industry navigates these challenges, the focus remains on recovery and adaptation, with companies exploring technological advancements and training initiatives to attract and retain talent in a demanding environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Attic to Art Transforms Children’s Drawings into Home Décor
Arrests Made in Dog Death Investigation in Irvine
Dog Trainer Arrested for Animal Cruelty in Irvine
Orange County Healthcare Institutions Unite to Address Rising Needs
Exploring Fullerton’s Wastewater Treatment Process
Costa Mesa Mourns Beloved Community Advocate
Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: Employment in OC Dental Industry Drops 5%
- Dentistry Today: Torch Dental Launches OCDS Member Benefits
- GlobeNewswire: SoCalBio’s 26th Annual Investor Partnership Conference
- ABC7: OC Dental Clinic Where Children Contracted Infections Reopens
- Orange Coast: Top Dentists of O.C. 2024
- Wikipedia: Dentistry
- Google Search: Dental Industry Orange County
- Google Scholar: Dental Industry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dentistry
- Google News: Dental Industry Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
