Consumer dental spending continues to lag behind overall healthcare spending despite increasing gradually over the last several years, according to a new report from the American Dental Association.
The ADA recently released its “State of the U.S. economy” report for the first quarter of 2026. The report includes economic data as well as information on consumer dental spending and staffing.
Consumer dental spending rose 0.4% between December and January. It was also 4% higher compared to 12 months prior and 11% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Dental spending has increased by 24% over the last 10 years, compared to 48% for physician services and 39% for overall healthcare spending, according to the report.
Source: Consumer dental spending continues to rise / Becker’s Dental