202602 | North China and Southwest Take Over, East Slows Down, National Dental Institutions Net Increase to 287

Preface

In February 2026, 440 new dental medical institutions were registered nationwide, a decrease of 533 compared to the previous month and a year-on-year decline of 44%, marking the lowest level since January 2025. However, during the same period, the number of closures dropped to 153, a year-on-year and month-on-month decrease of 25%, indicating that the exit side did not expand synchronously. Both ends contracted, but at unequal rates—this structural characteristic is the key entry point for understanding this month's data.

The net growth of 287 institutions represents a 63% month-on-month decline, which may seem alarming but is actually traceable. The seasonal contraction during the Spring Festival month is a direct pressure point. However, the 55-percentage-point difference in the decline rates between new registrations and exits this month indicates that the main driver of the market narrowing is insufficient momentum for new openings, rather than increased pressure for closures. Going forward, if registrations rebound in March, February's low level is more likely due to seasonal disturbances; if the rebound is weak, a cautious assessment of the quarterly expansion trend will be necessary.

In terms of regional structure, February showed a certain shift in patterns. North China (Hebei: 34, Shanxi: 18) and Southwest China (Guangxi: 27, Sichuan: 19, Yunnan: 16) jointly supported the main net growth. Eastern coastal provinces generally saw their registration numbers halved due to the Spring Festival impact. First-tier cities Beijing and Shanghai saw net increases of only 2 and 1 institution respectively, continuing their low-growth adjustment pace. The peak net increase for a single province narrowed from over 50 in January to 34, with inter-provincial gaps significantly shrinking. The growth pattern shifted from "concentrated in top regions" to "multiple points at low levels".

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