Dental reimbursement rate increases are continuing to lag behind inflation, according to a report from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute.
The ADA’s “The State of the U.S. Dental Economy” update for the third quarter of 2026 compared data on the reimbursement rate index and dental practice expense price index.
Here are five things to know:
- From January through August, the reimbursement rate index has increased by 1.5%, compared to a 2.3% increase in inflation.
- Since the start of 2021, the reimbursement rate index has climbed 19%, while inflation has increased 27%.
- The reimbursement rate index for all payer types has reached 119.
- Through August 2026, dental equipment and supplies costs have increased 0.2%.
- Hourly earnings of dental office staff have increased by less than 0.1% over the same period.
