Here are five statistics Becker’s has reported on in recent months that could lead to future roadblocks in the dental industry:
- Removing fluoride from U.S. public water systems would lead to a 7.5% increase in tooth decay and cost at least $9.8 billion over five years, according to a study published May 30 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum.
- More than 70 million adults in the U.S. do not have dental insurance, according to a report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
- The percentage of adults making cosmetic dental visits dropped to 4% in 2024, according to Delta Dental’s 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.
- Thanh Nguyen, DDS, said his office saw a 33% increase in patient cancellations since an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation took place in Tennessee, coinciding with similar trends at medical facilities across the U.S. since the Trump administration rescinded a policy that protected hospitals, medical clinics and churches from immigration enforcement.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place November 12–14 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
