Paul Keel on macroeconomic uncertainty
From A CEO's Perspective on the Future of Dentistry. An in-depth interview with Paul Keel of Envista. · · Group Dentistry Now / Join DSO
“Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty is elevated now, but over 25 years, there has rarely been a time without such uncertainty, from NASDAQ meltdown to Brexit and Ukraine.”
On , Paul Keel, Chief Executive Officer & Director at ENVISTA HOLDINGS CORP, spoke about macroeconomic uncertainty during A CEO's Perspective on the Future of Dentistry. An in-depth interview with Paul Keel of Envista. on Group Dentistry Now / Join DSO.
About Paul Keel
In April 2026, Paul Keel, CEO of Envista Holdings, appeared on two podcasts discussing the state of the dental industry. On the Group Dentistry Now Show, Keel described dentistry as a "secularly attractive industry" with "enormous unmet demand." He noted that the dental market in the U.S. grew faster than the overall economy every year from 2000 to 2019, including during the global financial crisis. Keel identified three trends shaping dentistry: digitization, with over 75% of anatomical models and 90% of patient records now digital; improved clinical efficiency enabled by DSOs; and increased connectivity between diagnostic, treatment planning, and therapeutic steps. He stated that the key to navigating uncertainties is focusing on stakeholders, with patients and colleagues prioritized over shareholders. On the MB2 Underground podcast, Keel said that "for 30 straight years, dental always outgrows the broader economy." He attributed below-trend growth from 2022 to 2024 to supply shortages of dentists and staff, compounded by tariffs and geopolitical events. Keel remarked that a "confidence shock" partially related to tariffs and government actions had caused a drop in consumer confidence, which he said was immediately reflected in the dental market. He expressed optimism about the market, stating, "I think we're in for a good couple years here for the market."