Login
Whether it’s a sudden toothache or the realization that your insurance doesn’t cover as much as you thought, dental expenses can quickly disrupt a household budget. Understanding the average annual dental costs and the factors that influence them is the first step toward financial peace of mind. This guide will explore how much you can expect to spend, how insurance impacts those numbers, and why many people are turning to dental savings plans to bridge the gap.
How Much Do Americans Spend on Dental Care?
If you have ever wondered, “how much does everyone else spend on dental care?” the answer is: it varies based on coverage and health. National spending on dental care has seen a steady climb. While CMS actuaries projected years ago that spending would hit $192 billion by 2026, recent ADA data shows we were already at $189 billion as of late 2024. Setting a baseline for your own budget dental care strategy starts with looking at these national averages to see where you fit in.
Average Dental Cost Per Year with Insurance
As noted above, projected U.S. dental spending in 2026 is expected to exceed $190 billion. (CMS National Health Expenditure Projections), with out-of-pocket costs accounting for roughly 38.9% of all dental payouts in the U.S.
Preventive care (routine checkups, x-rays and cleanings) average approximately $203 without insurance. Dental Insurance usually pays the full cost of preventive care. For those who needed more than preventive or basic care, the average yearly dental expenditure per American is approximately $2,321. Those in high-income brackets spend an average of $2,591 annually, reflecting higher utilization of elective and cosmetic services.
Geography remains one of the largest variables. For example, a deep cleaning in Illinois averages nearly $1,500 for a full mouth, while the same procedure in Alabama costs approximately $600.
Average Dental Cost Per Year Without Insurance
Those without insurance spend an average of $1,537 annually, potentially because they delay care until it is an emergency or forego expensive restorative procedures. According to a 2024 Humana white paper, 57% of Americans have delayed dental treatments specifically to cover other household expenses.
What Impacts Your Annual Dental Budget?
Determining how much the average person spends on dental care is a good place to start, but it isn’t a “one size fits all” calculation. Several personal and environmental factors play a role in your final bill.
Your Oral Health History
Your past is often a predictor of your future dental costs. Those with a history of frequent cavities, gum disease, or extensive restorative work will likely have higher average annual dental costs than someone who has never had a filling.
Geographic Location
Where you live matters. Dental offices in major metropolitan areas often have higher overhead costs, which are passed down to the patient. If you live in a high-cost-of-living area, you should expect your budget dental care needs to be slightly higher than the national average.
Annual Dental Costs by Life Stage
Your dental needs evolve as you age, and your budget should reflect that.
Children and Teens
For families, the budget often centers on preventive care like cleanings and sealants, but the biggest variable is often orthodontics. A sample budget for a family with children should account for the possibility of braces or aligners, which can add thousands to your long-term costs. Dental insurance may cover orthodontics for people under 18 but check to see the amount of coverage provided and whether it’s a single use (lifetime) benefit.
Adults
If your oral health is good, you’ll probably just need two cleanings and checkups a year, but it’s wise to budget for potential “surprises” like a root canal or a crown. This is also a time when older dental work may begin to fall.
Seniors
Seniors often face increased restorative needs, such as dentures, bridges, or implants. For those on a fixed income, managing these higher costs is critical to maintaining overall health and quality of life.
How to Reduce Your Annual Dental Costs
There are proactive ways to lower your expenses while keeping your smile healthy.
Don’t Skip Preventive Care
It may seem counterintuitive to spend money to save money, but spending $200-$300 a year on routine cleanings can prevent $1,000+ in restorative work down the road. Prevention is the most effective way to lower the “how much does the average person spend on dental care” metric for your own household.
Consider a Dental Savings Plan
If you find the annual cost of dental insurance too high or the coverage too restrictive, a dental savings plan is a smart alternative. These plans allow you to reduce costs on virtually all dental procedures at more than 140K dentists nationwide, with(unlike dental insurance) no waiting periods and no annual maximums.Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. Use the calculator below for a quick peek at how much you can save today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average person spend on dental care?
The average American spends between $500 and $1,500 annually on dental visits.
Are dental expenses tax deductible?
In some cases, if your total medical and dental expenses exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income, they may be deductible.
What is the cheapest way to get dental care?
The “cheapest” way is always prevention. Beyond that, for many people, the most cost-effective way to access low-cost dental care is by using a dental savings plan to access discounted rates at the dentist.
How can I budget for dental care without insurance?
Start by researching the average dental cost per year in your area for basic cleanings and then look into joining a dental savings plan to lower the cost of any unexpected procedures.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.
