Majority of Americans Find Dental Care Cost-Prohibitive, New Study Reveals

“Dental Lifetime of Care” Study Highlights Concerns Over Affordability

USA: A recent study titled “Dental Lifetime of Care,” conducted by Stamford-based Synchrony, sheds light on the widespread perception among Americans that dental care is prohibitively expensive.

The study, based on a survey of 1,335 adults, reveals that over half, precisely 58% of respondents, expressed the belief that dental care is unaffordable. This concern becomes even more pronounced among individuals without dental insurance, where a substantial 75% deemed dental care as financially out of reach.

Furthermore, a staggering 92% of those surveyed indicated that they would contemplate delaying general dental care due to cost constraints. When it came to emergency dental care, 83% expressed similar reservations about affordability.

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Cost as a Deterrent

More than half of the consumers surveyed, 54%, cited costs as the primary reason for not visiting a dentist in the past year. Alarmingly, nearly half of those who deferred dental care reported that this delay led to the development of additional dental issues.

Bete Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dental, at Synchrony, emphasized the significance of dental health in the context of overall well-being. Johnson highlighted that rising out-of-pocket costs are acting as a barrier, preventing patients from accessing the necessary dental care they desire and need.

Bridging the Gap

Synchrony’s motivation for conducting this research is to provide individuals with a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of dental care costs over a lifetime. The study aims to help people plan ahead and connect them with tools and resources to manage these costs effectively.

The findings from the “Dental Lifetime of Care” study underscore the pressing need for addressing the affordability of dental care in the United States. It highlights the financial concerns that are affecting people’s access to essential dental services and their overall health and well-being.

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