Here are 11 headlines and statistics on the state of dentistry in Illinois in 2024:
- The Illinois State Dental Society released its legislative agenda for 2024, which is centered around dental insurance reform, the Dental Practice Act and the Illinois Medicaid program.
- A bill introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives Feb. 6 would add provisions to the Illinois Dental Practice Act related to third-party financing.
- Nashville, Tenn.-based Southern Orthodontic Partners added its first practice in the Chicago area.
- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation proposed new rule changes that could affect dental anesthesia practices and adjust the Illinois Dental Practice Act.
- A former Illinois dentist pleaded guilty to wire fraud after practicing unlicensed dentistry.
- Dental offices in Illinois generate $17.75 billion annually.
- There are 8,536 total dentists in Illinois according to the American Dental Association.
- Dental hygienists in Illinois make $76,120 annually and dental assistants earn $41,290, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The average cost to visit an oral surgeon in Illinois is between $84 to $124.
- Illinois has 209 dental professional shortage areas.
- There are three dental schools in the state: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Downers Grove and Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton.