Majority of Americans Hesitate on Dental Treatments Despite Recognizing Risks

USA: VideaHealth unveiled the results of its new research, indicating that a substantial 94% of surveyed consumers recognize the direct impact of untreated oral issues on overall physical health and disease risk. This suggests that public health campaigns emphasizing the long-term consequences of oral diseases on general health are making an impact.

However, despite heightened awareness propelled by organizations like the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association, and the American Stroke Association, a concerning 81% of Americans surveyed hesitate to commit to dental treatments recommended by their dentists. Shockingly, nearly one-third (31%) would only seek dental treatment when the pain becomes unbearable or opt to ignore problems altogether.

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Factors Hindering Timely Treatment

While the importance of early dental treatment is evident, the study identifies significant factors hindering Americans from taking action. The primary reasons for questioning or hesitating on suggested treatments include cost (53%), fear or pain (28%), and the perception that the problem isn’t too painful or problematic (18%).

Addressing oral health issues promptly not only saves money and time but also prevents more complex and invasive treatments and long-term health problems. Currently, one in four U.S. adults has an untreated cavity, over 47% have periodontal or gum disease, and the estimated cost of untreated gum disease alone is a staggering $154 billion.

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Role of Dental AI in Driving Action

In an interesting turn, the study reveals a willingness among consumers to embrace dental AI. Despite general discomfort with AI in healthcare, almost half of the respondents are open to the use of dental AI if it aids in early issue detection or reduces the need for invasive treatment.

When informed that AI could detect issues on a dental X-ray that are invisible to the naked eye, 59% expressed a greater likelihood of following their dentist’s recommendation. Notably, nearly seven out of 10 Baby Boomers (65%) agreed, demonstrating widespread acceptance across demographics.

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Reasons for Embracing AI in Dentistry

• Less Invasive Treatment (44%)
• Gen Z (34%), Millennials (46%), Gen X (40%), Baby Boomers (50%)
• Cost Savings (37%)
• Gen Z (41%), Millennials (42%), Gen X (32%), Baby Boomers (34%)
• Preventing False Overdiagnosis (32%)
• Gen Z (35%), Millennials (35%), Gen X (30%), Baby Boomers (29%)
• Preventing Systemic Disease (31%)
• Gen Z (30%), Millennials (36%), Gen X (31%), Baby Boomers (25%)

According to Florian Hillen, CEO of VideaHealth, “AI in dentistry is a game-changer. The positive impact of dental AI on patient behavior can make a meaningful impact on health, which in turn can drive down costs.”

The consumer survey, conducted by Directions Research, engaged a nationally representative sample of 1,047 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The online survey, fielded from October 12-16, 2023, aimed to capture a demographically balanced perspective.

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About VideaHealth

VideaHealth, headquartered in Boston, pioneers the integration of AI into dental practices to enhance patient care, foster relationships, and boost financial performance. Supported by venture capital firms Spark Capital, Zetta Venture Partners, and Pillar VC, VideaHealth is making strides in helping dentists identify and treat crucial dental conditions.

For more information, visit VideaHealth.