Choosing between dental supply distributors shapes how a practice orders almost everything, from gloves and composites to equipment service. The US has a handful of national distributors and a strong layer of regional and family-owned companies. This list introduces 10 notable distributors and explains how to decide which one should be your primary supplier.
Key takeaways
- The list mixes national and regional distributors and is not a ranking.
- National distributors offer the widest catalogs and service networks; regional houses often offer closer local relationships.
- Compare distributors on the same basket of products, not on headline discounts.
- Specialist suppliers can complement a distributor for instruments and other clinical categories.
How we selected these distributors
These are notable US companies whose business type is distribution, chosen for breadth of range, specialization and market presence. They are listed in no particular order and the numbering is for reference only; this is not a ranking by revenue or quality. Online-only stores and marketplaces are covered in a separate list. You can browse the full, searchable list of distributors, manufacturers and online stores in the Aurix supplier directory.
The top 10 dental supply distributors in the USA
1. Henry Schein Dental
Henry Schein Dental, headquartered in Melville, New York, is a global distributor of dental and medical supplies, equipment and practice technology. Its catalog covers full-line supplies, equipment and hand instruments.
It suits practices and groups that want one supplier for consumables, equipment and technology. Henry Schein also acquired Midway Dental Supply of Livonia, Michigan, in 2022.
2. Patterson Dental
Patterson Dental, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, distributes dental supplies, equipment, technology and service in the US and Canada. It was taken private by Patient Square Capital in 2025.
Practices that rely on equipment service and technology support often shortlist Patterson alongside other national distributors.
3. Benco Dental
Benco Dental of Pittston, Pennsylvania, is a large privately owned US distributor offering supplies, equipment and office design. Its office design service is useful if you are building or renovating a practice.
4. Darby Dental Supply
Darby Dental Supply, based in Jericho, New York, is a long-established distributor that sells online and by phone, with a strong focus on full-line supplies and infection control. It acquired SmartPractice’s dental supply division in 2018.
Darby suits practices that order mostly consumables and prefer phone or web ordering to a field representative model.
5. Atlanta Dental Supply
Atlanta Dental Supply is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and serves the southeastern and mid-Atlantic US with supplies and equipment. It is a natural shortlist candidate for practices in those regions that want a regional relationship.
6. Burkhart Dental Supply
Burkhart Dental Supply is a full-service distributor headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, serving practices across the western US. Its full-line supplies and equipment focus makes it a regional alternative to the national distributors.
7. Pearson Dental Supplies
Pearson Dental Supplies is based in Sylmar, California, with branches in several western states. It supplies full-line products and equipment.
8. IQ Dental Supply
IQ Dental Supply is a family-owned distributor in Fairfield, New Jersey, serving mainly the Northeast. Its focus is full-line supplies and infection control.
9. Dental Health Products (DHPI)
Dental Health Products is a Wisconsin-based distributor of dental supplies and equipment located in New Franken. It also runs a private-label line, which can be a cost lever for everyday consumables.
10. Hager Worldwide
Hager Worldwide, based in Hickory, North Carolina, distributes dental products and accessories, with focus areas including burs and rotary products, infection control and full-line supplies.
Quick comparison
| Distributor | Headquarters | Coverage noted | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Schein Dental | Melville, NY | Global | Supplies, equipment, hand instruments |
| Patterson Dental | St. Paul, MN | US and Canada | Supplies, equipment, technology, service |
| Benco Dental | Pittston, PA | US | Supplies, equipment, office design |
| Darby Dental Supply | Jericho, NY | US (online and phone) | Supplies, infection control |
| Atlanta Dental Supply | Duluth, GA | Southeast and mid-Atlantic | Supplies, equipment |
| Burkhart Dental Supply | Tacoma, WA | Western US | Supplies, equipment |
| Pearson Dental Supplies | Sylmar, CA | Western states | Supplies, equipment |
| IQ Dental Supply | Fairfield, NJ | Mainly Northeast | Supplies, infection control |
| Dental Health Products | New Franken, WI | US | Supplies, equipment, private label |
| Hager Worldwide | Hickory, NC | US | Burs, infection control, supplies |
How to choose a dental supply distributor
- Build a test basket. List 30–50 items you order every month and ask each distributor to quote them. This shows real pricing better than a general discount percentage.
- Ask about service. If you own equipment, find out where technicians are based and how service calls are scheduled.
- Check ordering tools. Online reordering, order history, budgets and multi-user accounts save staff time.
- Understand loyalty programs. Rebates and rewards can be valuable, but read the qualifying spend and any membership fees.
- Consider regional options. A regional distributor may offer a closer working relationship and local equipment support.
- Keep specialists in the mix. For hand and surgical instruments, a specialist can offer more patterns, kits and custom options. Our guide to the difference between a supplier, manufacturer and distributor explains how the roles fit together.
If you are thinking about joining the supply chain yourself rather than buying from it, read becoming a dental instrument distributor.
Frequently asked questions
What does a dental supply distributor do?
A distributor buys products from many manufacturers and sells them to practices, usually adding delivery, ordering tools, equipment installation and service, and representative support.
Is it better to use one distributor or several?
Many practices use one primary distributor for most spend, which simplifies ordering and can improve pricing tiers, then add one or two specialists or online stores for specific categories.
How often should I review my distributor?
A yearly review against a test basket is a practical habit, along with a review whenever you add locations, change equipment or see service problems.
Are online stores included here?
No. Online-only stores and marketplaces such as Safco, Dental City and Net32 are covered in our separate online stores list.
Want to add surgical-grade instruments to your distribution range? Aurix International works with distributors and resellers on dental and surgical instruments, kits and private label programs. Explore the distributor network →
