Privately insured dental services fell 75 percent in March and 79 percent in April compared to the same months in 2019, according to a study by nonprofit FAIR Health.
The New York City-based organization compared its database of private healthcare claims from the first six months of 2020 to the first six months of 2019.
Three report findings:
1. In March and April 2020, many states banned elective dental procedures. In May 2020, when bans began to lift, dental service utilization still declined compared to 2019, but only by 27 percent.
2. In June 2020, utilization increased by 1 percent compared to June 2019.
3. From June 2019 to June 2020, the youngest (22 and younger) and oldest (55 and older) age groups increased dental service utilization, while those in the middle (ages 23-54) decreased.