Core Viewpoint - The dental industry in China, once thriving and labeled as a "golden track," is experiencing a significant downturn due to increased competition, regulatory changes, and a shift in consumer trust [5][14][30]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The prevalence of oral diseases in China exceeds 90%, indicating a widespread need for dental care [3]. - From 2015 to 2021, the dental industry maintained an annual growth rate of approximately 15%, reaching a market size of 144.6 billion yuan by 2023 [5][9]. - The number of dental institutions increased from 65,000 in 2016 to an estimated 120,000-150,000 by 2025, with private dental clinics accounting for about 80% of the market [9][20]. Group 2: Profitability and Services - Dental implants and orthodontics are the most profitable segments, with implant prices ranging from 3,000 to 25,000 yuan per tooth [9][11]. - In 2020, orthodontic cases contributed nearly 30% of the industry's profits, with a significant number of cases reported [11][20]. - The high profit margins, sometimes reaching 60%, attracted many entrepreneurs to the sector, leading to rapid expansion [20][30]. Group 3: Recent Changes and Challenges - In 2023, over 1,068 dental service institutions were closed, and by 2024, the closure rate reached 30% among chain dental hospitals [6][20]. - The introduction of centralized procurement for dental implants in 2023 led to a price drop of over 55%, severely impacting the profitability of private institutions [18][20]. - Consumer trust in private dental institutions has declined, with only 38% willing to choose them in 2024, a significant drop from previous years [17][20]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, the dental market is projected to grow to 420 billion yuan by 2030, indicating long-term potential [23][30]. - The dental industry in China is still underdeveloped compared to developed countries, with a low number of dental practitioners per capita [25][30]. - The industry may benefit from adopting differentiated services and improving operational efficiency, as well as focusing on preventive care to reduce overall costs for consumers [28][30].