A Snapshot of Adults’ Dental and Medical Care Coverage
Approximately 72 million adults in the US (27%) do not have dental insurance — almost three times the percentage of adults who lack health insurance — according to CareQuest Institute’s latest State of Oral Health Equity in America survey.
The State of Oral Health Equity in America survey is the largest annual, nationally representative survey about the oral health of adults in the US. More than 9,000 adults responded in 2024.
More key findings include:
- Approximately one third of Medicare (31%) and Medicaid (33%) recipients do not have dental insurance, and more than four out of five adults (83%) without health insurance also lack dental insurance.
- Individuals with less education and lower incomes reported lacking dental insurance in greater percentages than those with higher levels of education and income.
- Adults in the youngest (aged 18–29) and oldest (aged 60+) groups lack dental insurance in greater numbers than adults in the middle age groups (aged 30–59).
These findings show the importance of expanding access to dental coverage in the US, which includes strengthening benefits in Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans.
The authors write:
Given the substantial links between oral health and systemic health, lack of dental insurance can increase the risk of adverse systemic health conditions, even for those who are medically insured.”
You may also be interested in:
- Beyond a Nice Smile, an infographic for both patients and providers that explores the links between oral health and overall health, including heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
- State of Oral Health Equity in America, a web page highlighting key findings and reports from previous annual surveys on the oral health of adults in the US.
- Medicaid on the Brink? An article in Fierce Healthcare that shares perspectives on how cuts to Medicaid will likely increase the number of adults who lack dental coverage.
