In this article, we will examine how the largest global dental services market (in terms of dollar value) is performing.
In terms of access, the number of registered dentists across US per 100,000 population was 61 in 2020. Selected states like the District of Columbia, Massachusetts and Alaska had the highest ratios, far exceeding the national average. According to WHO estimates, the number of active dentists as a percentage of population is expected to increase over time in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, based on the outcome of a recent ADA survey, the average wait time for GP dentist appointments has increased to 7.0 and 5.4 days for new patients and patients of record, respectively, in 2017 (compared to 5.3 and 4.5, respectively, in 2012). This is an indication of higher patient footfalls across dental offices.
If we look at the burden of dental healthcare in the US, the country has among the least efficient healthcare system in the world, outlined by overwhelming medical costs. In terms of public insurance coverage, the current penetration level stands at only 40%.
In 2020, more than 30 million people in US lacked dental coverage. This figure is 3X higher than the number of people without medical coverage in the country. On the other hand, only half of dental PPOs (Preferred Provider Organization), which represent the predominant dental coverage product in the market, have a maximum annual benefit above USD 1,500, with deductibles typically ranging from $50-$100.
Broadly speaking, if we look at the US wide dental services market, as many as 50 percent of private practice dentists work solo. The term “Solo” denotes a dentist who is the sole dentist in a dental office. On the contrary, the country’s DSO sector looks at the cusp of exceptional growth for the upcoming years. In terms of race and ethnicity, white and Asian dentists are proportionally more represented in the profession when compared to the U.S. population. Whereas in terms of gender distribution, women are becoming increasingly more prominent in terms of representation not only in dental practices but also at dental schools.
To find out more about the US dental macro indicators, relevant KPIs and other financials, please refer to our Research Report (available for registered members only).
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