Consumer dental spending has increased by 24% over the last 10 years but still lags behind overall healthcare spending, according to the American Dental Association’s “State of the U.S. Dental Economy” report for the second quarter of 2026.
The ADA recently released its “State of the U.S. economy” report for the second quarter of 2026. The report includes economic data for dental practices as well as information on consumer dental spending, staffing and various industry challenges.
As of May 2026, consumer dental spending was:
1. Down 0.1% from April.
2. Up 0.4% since the beginning of the year.
3. Up 1% compared to May 2025.
4. Up 11% from pre-pandemic levels.
5. Up 24% over the last 10 years, compared to 46% for physician services and 39% for healthcare overall.
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