Reimbursement rates
Although several states have increased reimbursement rates for dental services, they are still not enough to keep up with the pace of inflation, according to data from the American Dental Association.
The ADA reported that reimbursement rates increased slightly in February. However, long-term trends show rates are not keeping pace with overall inflation or the rise in practice expenses. Reimbursement rates in most states fall below 50% of dentist charges and 60% of private insurance reimbursement, according to 2025 data from the ADA.
William Simon, DMD, the Owner of City Smiles in Chicago, told Becker’s stagnant reimbursement rates could lead practice owners to make tough sacrifices in other areas in order to remain financially sustainable.
Source: 3 factors fueling dentistry’s financial squeeze / Becker’s Dental