Here are seven new statistics on oral healthcare, dental care accessibility and patient behavior:
1. Medical debt is associated with deferred dental care regardless of insurance coverage, according to a study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.
2. Americans expressed more confidence in the American Dental Association as a trustworthy source of information on fluoride than in RFK Jr. — 74% vs. 34% — according to a study from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
3. Seventy-six percent of Americans are motivated to take care of their oral health, but only 3% of Americans associate oral health with whole-body health, according to a study from P&G and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
4. More than 50% of dentists who use AI describe the technology as a helpful second opinion, while 33% said they trust their own judgment more, according to a survey from Dentalreviewed.com.
5. The potential reduction in pediatric dental Medicaid coverage could lead to nearly 96,000 additional cases of dental caries and $86.5 million in additional healthcare costs, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
6. Adults living in rural communities with limited access to dental care, in addition to gaps in Medicaid dental coverage, are more likely to rely on hospitals for emergency dental care, according to a study from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
