Benchmarking

California currently has the highest number of dental professional shortage areas in the U.S., according to recent data from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

There are 840 general dentists in New Mexico, the state with the highest percentage of residents covered by Medicaid and the federal Children's Health Insurance Program.

Delta Dental was recently recognized as the best insurer for older adults in 2025 by Investopedia.

General dentists have an average annual salary of $168,760 in Arkansas, the worst-ranked state for dental health in 2025.

There are nearly 82 million people enrolled in Medicaid in the U.S., or 21% of the total U.S. population, according to data compiled by KFF.

General dentists have an average annual salary of $165,760 in Illinois, the best-ranked state for dental health in 2025.

Delta Dental was recently recognized as the best insurer for dental implants in 2025 by Investopedia.

Illinois, the best-ranked state for dental health in 2025, has 229 dental health professional shortage areas.

Arkansas, the worst-ranked state for dental health in 2025, has 133 dental health professional shortage areas.

Here are 10 notes, stats and numbers on pay and compensation for dental assistants: