Dental Statistics: Key Trends and Insights for Your Practice

Dental and craniofacial research is advancing at a blindingly fast pace, and if you want to keep your customers pleased as punch, it’s smart to keep up with trends from the past year and beyond. Here’s what to know about dental statistics in 2023.

Overview of Recent Key Dental Statistics

Patient Demographics and Preferences

The senior population in the U.S. has grown rapidly in the past year, and that means a rise in tooth decay, dental diseases, and oral cancer. Patients of advanced age have the money to spend on good oral health and disease control. Additionally, according to data, the dental implant market is expected to rise by 11% annually.

There’s also a rising trend of children and young adults seeking cosmetic procedures due to their prevalence on social media.

Dental Service Utilization Trends

Per data for 2023, emergency services, cosmetic procedures, and prevention services were the biggest spending areas for the dental industry. There’s also a growing interest in aligners and teeth-whitening procedures.

Financial Health of Dental Practices

Revenue and Cost Trends

According to dental metrics from Fortune Business Insights, the 2023 dental market was valued at $35.4 billon and is expected to grow to $95.4 billion by 2032. This data shows that both children and adults are increasingly focusing on their oral hygiene and overall health.

Revenue for each dental visit may be on the rise, but practice owners still need to stay on top of their costs amid inflation. They must also address staffing shortages of dental hygienists and other specialists.

Impact of Insurance on Dental Practices

The dental fee schedule and insurance CDT codes are constantly in flux, which can have an impact on the dental care patients choose to receive (and when). For example, parents may not take children ages one to seven to the dentist until they begin developing permanent teeth, which could result in an increase in gum disease and dental cavities.

Technological Advancements in Dentistry

Adoption of Digital Tools and Software

Practice management software, such as Weave, is transforming dental treatment this year and beyond. This software comes with tools like online scheduling and oral health appointment reminders.

The Role of AI and Automation

AI and automation have a growing role in patient management and diagnostics. Staff can use AI tools to reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.

Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Staffing Shortages and Their Impact

Staffing issues remain a challenge for many dentist practices. Oral health practices must work harder than ever to attract and retain staff.

Patient Expectations and Experience

Both adults and children expect (and deserve) high-quality oral health care at each dental visit. To provide this care, invest in ongoing training for both you and your staff. Also consider offering surveys to gauge patient satisfaction.

Weave Sets Dental Practices Up for Success

Now that you’ve learned about dental statistics for 2023, we welcome you to check out our 2023 Dental Business Insights Report to further empower your practice. We also invite you to get a free demo of our dental practice management software, Weave.