The Office of the Actuary in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports that the growth in dental spending is expected to slow. The projected 2 percent increase from $99.9 billion in 2008 to $101.9 billion in 2009 may prove to be the lowest annual increase in dental spending since 1960.
This is tied to the peformance in the economy. Today the DOW fell below 7,000 for the first time since 1997.
People have to cut back somewhere, so they may be doing so by forgoing visits to the dentist. Even so, this is not a safe bet. You should have a checkup and cleaning atleast once a year.
Dental spending is expected to return to more normal levels in 2010. It is projected that there will be an increase of 4.3 percent in 2010 and a 6 percent growth by 2015. The NHE projections are available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/03_NationalHealthAccountsProjected.asp
IMO, general dental spending ( cavities, gum pain, etc) would not slow, but it is the cosmetic portion of dental spending that would slow due to the economy.
With all due respect, I would have to disagree, at least in part, to the comment by the representative from the Orange County Dental Directory.
I do agree that spending for cosmetic procedures will dip a bit. However, I think general dental spending, as you put it, will dip equally as much – if not more.
With mounting unemployment, the number of uninsured individuals will undoubtedly rise as well. Dental care will unfortunately not be among the top priorities for these individuals – mere survival will.
I would also like to disagree. I have read a research that there’s even an increase in number of people who wants to have a dental treatment. The sectors related to health, which includes dental care will not slow down, because people need to take care of our body. Maybe there will be less individuals who will opt not to have their cosmetic dental treatments at this time of crisis, but they would prioritize prevention and maintenance for their oral health.
I heard on the radio today that about 57% of Americans are cutting back on healthy options which includes things such as eating healthy foods and dental care. Not sure the source though.