About two-thirds of dentists are skeptical in the overall U.S. economy, according to a poll from the American Dental Association.
However, dentists are more confident about their particular dental practice and the dental industry, sitting at 53.7% and 44.5%, respectively.
The top reason dentists gave for economic skepticism were related to tariff concerns. The top reason for confidence in the economy was the current administration.
The ADA’s Health Policy Institute released its quarterly report on the state of the U.S. dental economy in October, pulling data from a representative sample of U.S. dental practices, as well as the latest economic data related to dentistry from various government sources.
Here is the percentage of dentists who are confident in their practice, the dental industry and the U.S. economy compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, along with the top reasons for skepticism and optimism.
Percentage of dentists confident in their particular dental practice
Third quarter of 2025: 53.7%
Fourth quarter of 2024: 67.5%
Percentage of dentists confident in the dental care sector
Third quarter of 2025: 44.5%
Fourth quarter of 2024: 62.6%
Percentage of dentists confident in the U.S. economy
Third quarter of 2025: 33.4%
Fourth quarter of 2024: 56.3%
Top five reasons for skepticism
- Tariffs concerns
- Too much uncertainty
- Domestic social and political unrest
- Current administration
- Wars and geopolitical turmoil
Top five reasons for optimism
- Current administration
- Stable and improving economy
- Faith in economic resiliency
- Current trade, tariffs and tax policies
- No reason/generally optimistic
