According to a recent survey by the American Dental Association, the majority of dentists in the United States are planning to raise their fees in 2023. Out of over 1,000 dental practitioners who responded to the survey, 73% reported that they plan to increase their fees this year. The reasons for this vary, with some citing the rising cost of materials and equipment, while others mentioned the need to keep up with inflation and maintain profitability. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the dental industry, with many practices experiencing financial losses due to shutdowns and reduced patient volumes.

Compared to other countries, dental fees in the United States are often higher. According to a 2019 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States has some of the highest dental fees in the world. In fact, the report found that the average cost of a dental filling in the United States was over $200, compared to just $40 in Mexico and $50 in Hungary. It is important to note, however, that the report did not take into account differences in the quality of care provided in different countries.

When compared to other industries in the United States, the dental industry is not alone in facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. Many businesses across the country have struggled to stay afloat due to shutdowns, reduced demand, and other factors. However, the healthcare industry as a whole has been uniquely impacted by the pandemic, with many hospitals and clinics facing staffing shortages and overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.

Despite the planned fee increases, many dentists recognize the importance of affordability and access to dental care. According to the ADA survey, 62% of dentists plan to offer discounts or payment plans to help make dental care more accessible to patients. Additionally, 54% of dentists plan to invest in technology and equipment to improve the patient experience and provide more efficient and effective care.

Here are some of the top trends in the dental industry for 2023 (Top 9 Dental Industry Trends (2023-2025)):

1. The use of tele-dentistry - Tele-dentistry, which involves using technology to provide remote dental consultations and treatments, has become increasingly popular during the pandemic. According to a report by the American Dental Association, nearly half of dental practices in the United States offered some form of tele-dentistry services in 2021, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond.
2. Focus on patient experience - With more patients seeking convenience and personalized care, dental practices are placing a greater emphasis on providing a positive patient experience. This can include offering amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments in the waiting room, using virtual reality technology to help patients relax during procedures, and implementing patient-centric communication systems to improve the overall experience.
3. Continued growth of dental implants - Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for tooth loss, and the demand for them is expected to continue to grow in 2023. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global dental implants market is expected to reach over $8 billion by 2027.
4. Increased use of artificial intelligence - Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the dental industry to improve diagnostics and treatment planning, as well as to enhance patient communication and engagement. AI-powered tools like virtual treatment planning and image analysis software are becoming increasingly common in dental practices.
5. Integration of sustainability practices - More dental practices are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact by implementing sustainability practices like using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient equipment.

These trends are indicative of a rapidly changing dental industry, one that is focused on using technology to improve patient care while also being mindful of environmental impact. By staying up to date on the latest trends and innovations, dental practitioners can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients while also remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

And yes, the dental industry in the United States is facing a complex set of challenges as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape. While many dentists are planning fee increases to support their practices, they also recognize the need to balance affordability and access to care. By investing in technology and finding new ways to make dental care more accessible, dentists can continue to provide high-quality care while also supporting the financial sustainability of their practices.