More dentists are confident in the dental care sector than the overall U.S. economy, according to a new report from the American Dental Association.
The ADA recently released its “State of the U.S. economy” report for the first quarter of 2026. The report includes economic data as well as information on consumer dental spending and staffing.
According to the report, dentists’ confidence in their practice and the overall dental industry is slightly higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. However, confidence in the overall U.S. economy has remained unchanged. During the first quarter, 55.1% of dentists were confident in their practice, while 44.4% were confident in the dental sector. About 32% of dentists were confident in the U.S. economy.
Here are the top five reasons for dentists’ confidence in the dental industry:
1. Dentistry is always needed: 33.3%
2. Strong demand/practice busyness: 31.6%
3. Economic resilience of dental sector: 11%
4. Positive economic outlook in general: 7.4%
5. Patient demand exceeds supply of dentists in the area: 7.1%
About 29% of dentists reported being skeptical about the dental industry. Here are the top five reasons why:
1. Low reimbursement, insurance pressures: 36.3%
2. Rising practice costs/inflation: 30.5%
3. U.S. economic downturn: 21.5%
4. Staffing shortages: 11.7%
5. Uncertainty due to current administration or war: 11.2%
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