In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and an AI co-host unpack the ADA Health Policy Institute’s Q3 2025 “State of the Dental Economy” report. The data paints a complex picture of a dental sector stuck in an uneasy holding pattern where rising costs, flat reimbursements, and persistent staffing shortages are squeezing practices nationwide.

Despite modest growth in consumer dental spending, many practices report being less busy than before, caught between financial pressure and patient affordability challenges. The discussion dives deep into the fiscal squeeze, workforce struggles (especially hygienists), and the strategic choices dental practices are making to adapt.

Key Points :

1. Confidence Levels: Stabilized but Still Cautious

• Dentists’ confidence in their own practices (67.5%) remains higher than confidence in the U.S. economy (33.4%).
• Optimism has eroded throughout 2025 despite a slight Q3 bounce.
• Top concerns: tariffs, political unrest, and global uncertainty.

2. The “Fiscal Squeeze” Explained

• Core problem: costs (supplies, labor, operations) are rising much faster than insurance reimbursements.
• Two-thirds (65.8%) of dentists raised fees in 2025 by an average of 6.7% just to maintain margins.
• This has worsened patient affordability and fueled a perception of dentistry as “discretionary,” reducing patient visits.

3. Spending vs. Busyness Paradox

• Consumer dental spending is up 10% (inflation-adjusted) since pre-pandemic levels.
• Yet, the number of dentists reporting they’re “not busy enough” jumped from 25% to 35% in Q3 2025.
• Average patient wait times hit a three-year low (12 days), showing ample capacity and lower demand intensity.

4. Staffing & Hiring Challenges

• Hiring in dental practices remains flat, but recruitment demand is high.
• Hygienists are the most difficult position to fill; 90% of dentists report it’s very hard.
• Only 43% of those recruiting for hygienists successfully filled the role.
• One-fifth of hygienist positions remained open 6+ months, hurting production and patient flow.

5. Strategic Responses by Practices

• Many dentists are investing in software (41%) to improve efficiency and adding staff (47%) where possible.
• Some are dropping low-paying PPO plans to regain control over pricing and profitability.
• Practices are focusing on what they can control: internal efficiency, cost management, and workforce adaptation.

6. The Big Picture: A Sector in a Holding Pattern

• The dental economy isn’t collapsing, but it’s not growing fast either.
• The balance between rising costs, stagnant reimbursement, and patient affordability remains fragile.
• The future may depend on technology adoption, workforce development, and new care delivery models to break the stagnation.

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