The boss of 1300 Smiles, one of the more consistent performers among the ASX-listed dental companies, predicts a further wave of consolidation in Australia's $11 billion dental industry because of the rising costs of compliance and technology.

1300 Smiles missed out on the Abano Healthcare dental business, which runs 116 surgeries in Australia under the Maven brand. It was outbid by the deep pockets of private equity firm BGH Capital in conjunction with Canada's Ontario Teachers Pension Plan in a $278 million buyout proposal announced in New Zealand on Monday.