Dec. 8, 2025 — Adults with dental coverage were far more likely to seek preventive care in 2024 and said insurance improved their physical, mental and financial wellbeing, according to the Delta Dental Plans Association’s “2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report.”
The report found 67% of insured adults visited the dentist for preventive care in 2024, versus 28% of those without coverage. Researchers also reported broad consumer confidence in dental plans: 86% of adults said dental insurance is necessary to protect both oral and overall health, and 85% said it encourages better oral hygiene habits.
Respondents linked coverage to reduced anxiety and greater peace of mind. Eighty-six percent said dental insurance prevented unnecessary worry about future dental emergencies, and 85% said it provided overall peace of mind.
Financial benefits were widely reported as well: 84% believed dental insurance helped them save money long term, and 77% appreciated pre-negotiated discounts on services.
The Delta Dental Plans Association — the nonprofit umbrella for 39 independent Delta Dental companies — commissioned third-party firm Material Holdings LLC to conduct the research. The findings are based on an online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults carried out in January 2025.
“Ensuring broader access to dental coverage can help more individuals maintain optimal oral health, as it plays a crucial role in fostering routine oral health care, making preventive dental visits more accessible, and reducing financial barriers to care,” the report said.