35 35 Key Statistics in the Dental Industry

The dental industry plays an important role in maintaining oral health and helping patients smile with confidence. However, behind every new smile lies data and statistics that shape the direction of progress within dentistry. Staying current on key statistics can help dental professionals better understand the industry and how to serve patients effectively.

This article will delve into key dental industry statistics, exploring topics such as the economic impact of the industry, regional and demographic trends, and technological advancements.

Market Size and Growth

The size and growth of the dental market point to the immense potential to develop innovative solutions that improve oral health across communities. Several key statistics include:

A report by Fortune Business Insights indicates that the global dental market is estimated to grow substantially in the coming years, rising from an estimated $38.84 billion in 2022 to $63.93 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 7.4% during that period.
According to a report by Grand View Research, North America accounted for the largest share of the global dental market in 2022, generating over 48.3% of total revenue.
According to a report by Market Research Future, The Asia Pacific region has seen the fastest growth in the global dental market in recent years. This was mainly driven by the adoption of orthodontic and implant procedures.

Dental Procedures and Treatments

Based on studies, estimates suggest that over 80% of individuals have experienced at least one cavity by the age of 34, highlighting the widespread issue of tooth decay even in young adults.

While the accurate numbers may vary depending on the specific studies cited, identifying common problems and procedures helps dental practices tailor services to meet patient demand while educating patients on the importance of restoring oral function and confidence. Key statistics on common treatments include:

In 2020, an estimated 40.99 million adults in the U.S. had either partial dentures (covering some missing teeth) or full dentures.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry found that as of 2016, approximately 3 million adults in the U.S. had received dental implants to treat crowns, bridges, or dentures. Meanwhile, around 500,000 adults receive dental implants annually.
An estimated 96% of cosmetic dentistry patients were females, indicating a strong preference among females for dental aesthetics procedures, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

The increasing utilization of digital solutions within dental practices, from 3D imaging and intraoral scanning to digital treatment, shows that digital orthodontic technologies are poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Key statistics include:

One report projects that the market will exhibit a compound annual growth rate of 11.1% through 2026, increasing in value from an estimated $5 billion in 2021 to over $12 billion by 2026.
A study by Research and Markets projected that the teledentistry market will experience substantial growth between 2022 and 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend by necessitating remote dental care solutions.
One FDA study indicated that Artificial intelligence (A.I.) based analyses of intraoral and extraoral dental X-rays could reduce the time and effort by as much as 70% compared to typical assessments.

Oral Health and Hygiene

Good oral health and hygiene are essential for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Yet many statistics indicate that dental issues remain highly prevalent globally due to inadequate hygiene practices and limited access to care. Key statistics include:

WHO’s Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) estimated that close to 3.5 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population, were affected by oral diseases.
Research has found that over 40% of adults reported experiencing oral or mouth pain within 2022 alone.
A study by the CDC found that 25.9% of adults ages 20 to 44 years old had untreated dental caries during the study time frame (2015-2018).
Data indicates that by age 30, nearly 46% of adults show signs of mild gum disease, while a smaller proportion of around 9% suffers from advanced gum conditions.
An estimated 25%, roughly 1 in 4, U.K. adults do not brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day, as dental experts advise, according to Oral Health Foundation.
Data from 2019 found that over 64% of patients seek health-related information online through search engines, health websites, and social media to attempt self-diagnosis before contacting a healthcare provider.

Economic Impact of the Dental Industry

The dental industry plays an important role in the healthcare system and the economy through the jobs and revenue it generates. Several statistics illustrate the substantial economic impact of dentistry:

There are an estimated 202,536 licensed dentists in the United States as of 2022, i.e., roughly 60.77 dentists per 100,000 individuals in the U.S.
Dentist employment is expected to increase at an average rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031, with an estimated 5,100 new positions annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A study by IBIS World found that between 2018 and 2023, the number of individuals employed in dentistry-related fields in the U.S. increased at an average annual rate of 2.6%.

Revenue and Expenditure

The dental industry generates substantial revenue from patients and dental insurance companies. Meanwhile, practices incur significant operating costs to provide dental services and run their businesses. Key statistics illustrate the industry’s financial scope:

One study found that dentists’ average annual net income in private practice was approximately $203,000.
In 2020, dentists who owned their private practices earned an average of $170,160 per year, according to American Dental Association.
Research by Global Market Insights, concluded that the hospitals’ segment within the dental equipment and consumables market generated over $8 billion in revenue in 2022 and is anticipated to grow significantly by 2032.
In 2021, the average expenditure on dental insurance per individual or family amounted to $130.43 in the United States.

Dental Insurance and Financing

Access to adequate financing mechanisms is crucial for individuals to obtain needed dental care services and maintain good oral health. Key statistics illustrate some aspects of dental insurance coverage, costs, and gaps in the U.S.:

The CDC reports that across the U.S., approximately 50.2% of adults aged 18 to 65 currently have dental insurance coverage.
According to a survey by Care Quest, approximately 77 million adults, 29.8% of the adult population, currently do not have dental insurance.
According to the CDC, only 29.2% of individuals over 65 currently have dental insurance.
In 2020, the total out-of-pocket spending on dental services and supplies by individuals amounted to an estimated $53.2 billion, according to American Dental Association.
ADA also found that the total insurance spending from private dental plans amounted to an estimated $59.7 billion in 2020.

Regional and Demographic Trends

The dental industry serves various patients with varying needs based on demographic factors. However, systemic changes are needed to address longstanding barriers facing underserved communities fully. Key statistics highlight several regional and demographic trends:

A study on the geographic distribution of NHS dental practices found that 91.8% of working-age adults and 88.8% of older adults lived within 2.5 km of at least one dental practice.
Data found that an estimated 53 million Americans resided in areas with shortages of dental health professionals.
The CDC reports that the Southeast region of the United States, including states from Virginia to Florida, has the lowest supply of dentists relative to population size, with only about 40 to 50 dentists per 100,000 residents.
According to research published by the CDC, 40% of children under 3 living in low-income urban neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois, have never visited a dentist.

Technological Advancements

While challenges around cost and equitable access remain, technological advancements have great potential to improve oral health outcomes, patient experiences, and future dental practices’ sustainability.

Estimates show the global market for 3D printing in dentistry is expected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of over 10% between 2022 and 2026.
Statistics highlight significant adoption rates for computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, roughly 60%, in European and United States dental laboratories.
According to research by Market Bridge, modern regenerative treatments and sophisticated restorative materials are driving market growth to $6788.47 billion by 2030.
A new study found that automated A.I. methods to detect cavities could provide an effective, cost-saving alternative to traditional diagnostic techniques.

Conclusion

The statistics above paint a complex picture of both progress and persisting problems within the dental industry. However, as dentistry moves forward, new frontiers are opening up. With innovation, determination, and a patient-first mentality, dentistry has an opportunity to truly fulfill its mission, which is enabling all people to achieve and maintain optimal oral health.