The cost of dental supplies and materials has increased significantly for many dentists since the beginning of 2025, according to a report from the American Dental Association.
The ADA’s Health Policy Institute surveyed 668 dentists on how prices have changed for their dental practice across a number of categories since the start of the year.
Nearly 90% of dentists in the poll reported that their supplies and materials, including consumable or disposable items, have increased in cost.
Here is the percentage of dentists that saw each cost aspect of dental practice operation increase, decrease or stay the same since the start of 2025:
Supplies/materials (consumable or disposable items)
Decreased: 0.3%
Stayed about the same: 9.9%
Increased 1-5%: 31%
Increased 6-10%: 31.7%
Increased more than 10%: 27.1%
Rent/mortgage
Decreased: 1.1%
Stayed about the same: 54%
Increased 1-5%: 29.9%
Increased 6-10%: 10.4%
Increased more than 10%: 4.6%
Staff wages
Decreased: 0.5%
Stayed about the same: 17%
Increased 1-5%: 37.7%
Increased 6-10%: 24.2%
Increased more than 10%: 20.6%
Equipment (durable items)
Decreased: 0.2%
Stayed about the same: 21%
Increased 1-5%: 25.8%
Increased 6-10%: 28.3%
Increased more than 10%: 24.7%
Lab fees
Decreased: 0.6%
Stayed about the same: 21.4%
Increased 1-5%: 42%
Increased 6-10%: 23.2%
Increased more than 10%: 12.8%
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