Benchmarking

There are 10,921 orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedists in the U.S., according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

There are 7,437 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the U.S., according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

There are 159,246 active general dentists in the U.S., according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

New patients can wait an average of 24 days for a dental appointment and between 20 to 34 days for other medical appointments, according to a Sept. 14 Medscape report and data from the American Dental Association.

There are 201,927 total active dentists in the U.S., according to 2022 data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

Minnesota is the highest-paying state for dental assistants, while Louisiana is the lowest, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Alaska is the highest-paying state for dental hygienists, while Alabama is the lowest-paying state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Delaware is the highest-paying state in the U.S. for dentists, while Idaho is the lowest-paying state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

First-year dental school enrollment has increased 22 percent since the 2010-11 school year, according to data from the American Dental Association. 

The U.S. healthcare system could save up to $100 million each year if dental practices screened for certain chronic conditions, according to CDC data.