Seniors Spark Dental Expenditure Growth

The American Dental Association published its analysis of the US 2023 national dental expenditures. In its report, it found that:

• Adjusting for inflation, dental spending in 2023 grew by $4 billion, up 2.5% over 2022.

• The $4 billion growth in dental spending was due to increase in Medicare ($3 billion) and Medicaid ($1 billion) dental spending. The share of seniors covered by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans has steadily grown. Most MA plans have some type of dental coverage. Also, in 2023, Medicare expanded dental benefits by covering comprehensive dental care for beneficiaries who where undergoing certain medical procedures.

• Overall health spending in the US grew faster that dental expenditures.

• US national dental spending reached $174 billion in 2023.

• Since 2019, private health insurance and out-of-pocket pay has slightly declined.