Here are five statistics Becker's has reported on in recent months that could lead to more opportunities and growth in the dental industry:
1. The average amount of dental school debt has declined each year since 2021, dropping to $305,306 in 2023.
2. The number of general dentists in the U.S. increased from 110,730 in 2019 to 121,640 in 2023, an increase of 9.8%.
3. The number of graduates from DDS- and DMD-accredited programs was nearly 7,000 in 2023, according to data from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.
4. The Consumer Price Index landed below 3% for the first time since 2021, CNN reported Aug. 14.
5. The "2024 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report" found that 86% of U.S. adults felt dental insurance is essential, a slight increase from 2023's 82%.