One in four Americans lacks dental insurance, report shows

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 18. June 2025

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CHICAGO, US: Despite growing recognition of the importance of oral health to overall health, access to dental care remains out of reach for millions of adults in the US. A recent report published by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has revealed that more than one in four American adults—approximately 72 million people—do not have any form of dental coverage. The findings highlight persistent gaps in the US healthcare system, where oral health is often treated separately from general health, and underscore the need for broader preventive coverage nationwide.

The report also found stark disparities across insurance types and demographic groups. Roughly a third of Medicare (31%) and Medicaid (33%) recipients were found not to have dental insurance. Furthermore, of the approximately 9.5% of US adults—or 26 million people—who lack general health insurance, more than four in five (83%) do not have dental coverage. According to the findings, individuals with lower income and education levels are significantly more likely to be uninsured for dental care. Uninsured rates for dental care are highest among younger adults aged 18–29 and seniors aged 60 and above, compared with adults aged 30–59.

In light of these findings, the American Dental Association (ADA) has issued an open letter calling for increased access to preventive dental services through public and private insurance providers. The letter, addressed to dental benefit administrators, Medicaid agencies and employer groups, advocates for consistent preventive care throughout all stages of life.

The ADA’s letter outlines nine preventive services that the organisation recommends be covered at least twice a year. These include professional dental cleanings, oral health risk assessments, cancer screenings, fluoride applications, sealants and patient education. The association also stressed the inclusion of treatments such as silver diamine fluoride and resin infiltration.

Highlighting the long-term cost-effectiveness of prevention, the ADA argued that covering these services could reduce the need for more complex restorative procedures and improve health outcomes—particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

“Poor oral health leads to lost school days for children, missed workdays and diminished job prospects for working-age adults and reduced labour productivity,” the ADA wrote. “Studies consistently demonstrate that every dollar invested in preventive dental care can save multiple dollars in restorative and emergency treatment. In essence, neglecting oral health exacts an economic penalty.”

The letter is part of the ADA’s broader advocacy efforts to make oral healthcare more accessible and equitable across the US.