Why Dental Care Costs Vary So Much Across the US

Jessica Levco

February 4, 2025

When you’re shopping around for a dentist, you’re probably looking at the out-of-pocket costs and wondering why dental costs differ so widely across the U.S. This difference can present a financial challenge.

The Annual Review of Public Health reports that oral health care disparities mean that some people don’t have the same chances to stay healthy, especially regarding their teeth and gums. This puts already disadvantaged groups at an even bigger disadvantage, it reports.

Reducing these gaps means giving everyone the same opportunities to stay healthy. Achieving fairness in oral health care means ensuring everyone has the same access to care, uses care based on their needs and receives the same quality of care.

At Altogether Dental, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. This is a membership-based program that offers discounts on dental services at participating dentists.

Read on for answers and options for making it easier when asking “how to find the cheapest dentist near me.”

Understanding the National Landscape of Dental Care Costs

According to the 2024 ValuePenguin study, the average cost of dental care in the U.S. is $432 annually on dental services per person. However, only 65.9% of adults visited the dentist within the past year.

Dental insurance does not work like medical coverage. Americans pay a larger portion of dental expenses. In 2022, out-of-pocket payments made up 40.3% of total dental spending — nearly four times the 10.6% share of out-of-pocket costs in total healthcare spending during the same year, the study found.

That $432 per person average equates to national dental expenditures of $174 billion in 2023, representing 3.6% of total health expenditures, the American Dental Association (ADA) says.

The U.S. leads the cost of dental care among the Group of Seven (G7) countries, an intergovernmental organization made up of the world's largest developed economies, Healthnews reports, finding:

A routine dental cleaning costs about $163
Crowns cost about $1,052
Root canals cost about $838

Healthnews also says that most U.S. dental care comes from private practices, with payment covered through insurance, direct payments or government programs for those who qualify. Dental care can still be expensive, especially for people without insurance. Even with insurance, there are often limits, caps, or high deductibles, which can make it hard for many people to afford the care they need.

And that’s where a dental savings plan like Altogether Dental can help you with low cost dental treatment.

Angela, an Altogether Dental member, says, “I learned about Altogether Dental from a friend who liked it and decided to give it a try. I hadn't been to a dentist in a while and wanted a check-up. I got an exam, X-rays, a cleaning and a filling. The discount I received was nearly 50% — over $200.”

Compared to the national averages, Altogether Dental members typically pay:

A routine dental cleaning costs about $69
Crowns cost about $793
Root canals cost about $647

Regional Disparities in Dental Care Costs

According to the 2024 Dental Health Report, dental costs vary significantly between states. The report identified key factors, including:

Regular dental check-ups are important for keeping teeth and gums healthy, but they happen more often in states with better access to care and higher spending on oral health.
How many people smoke cigarettes and whether the state has enough fluoridated water. States with more dental visits, lower smoking rates and better access to fluoridated water tend to have healthier teeth overall.
States without these advantages often have worse dental health, with seniors losing more teeth and fewer adults keeping their natural teeth.

The rankings evaluate each state using several measures that highlight the importance of access to care, prevention, and investment in oral health. The survey found:

Top and bottom performers: California leads the nation in dental health and has the third-lowest smoking rate (9.9%) and the fourth-highest number of dentists, with 77.71 per 100,000 people. West Virginia ranks lowest in dental health, with only 54.7% of adults retaining all their teeth and 52.3% of seniors losing six or more teeth. The state also has the highest smoking rate at 22.3%.
Dentist availability: Massachusetts has the highest number of dentists, with 80.23 per 100,000 people. Arkansas has the lowest, at 41.24 per 100,000 people.
Expenditure: New Hampshire leads in state spending on oral care at $648 per person. Texas ranks lowest at $340 per person.

Keep these in mind when searching “affordable dentist near me.”

Factors Influencing Dental Care Costs Across the US

Access to dental care depends on many factors, such as income, where someone lives, cultural habits, and whether they have insurance, says the Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology (JTPCP). It reports that people with lower incomes and those in rural areas often have less access to dental care, which leads to more oral health problems. It identified these factors as contributing to oral health disparities:

Socioeconomic factors: Lower-income individuals often face higher rates of dental disease due to limited access to affordable dental care and competing financial priorities.

Location: Rural areas frequently lack dental care providers, creating significant barriers to access for residents.

Insurance: People without dental insurance are less likely to visit the dentist regularly, leading to unmet dental needs and poorer oral health.

Cultural and systemic barriers: Cultural beliefs, language barriers, and discrimination contribute to unequal access to dental care.

These can be factors when searching “best dentist near me.”

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Dental Care Accessibility

JTPCP identified these factors as contributing to oral health impacts:

Physical health: Poor oral health is closely linked to systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Psychological and social impacts: Poor oral health can harm self-esteem, lead to social stigma, and reduce quality of life.
Economic implications: Oral health diseases create significant costs for individuals and healthcare systems.

Strategies to Bridge the Affordability Gap in Dental Care

Teledentistry is one way dentists are helping patients with dental problems. The Health Resources and Services Administration says the benefits are:

Access: Patients in remote locations can access care more easily.
Convenience: Care can be provided without the need for travel.
Remote monitoring: Dentists can track patient progress from a distance.
Timely: Treatment plans can be adjusted quickly when needed.
Education: Patients can receive guidance on oral health practices.
Collaboration: Dentists can consult with specialists for better care.

If you want a bright smile without a hefty price tag, you have some options when searching for an “affordable dentist near me.”

With Altogether Dental’s affordable dental payment plans, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, dental implants, orthodontia, dentures and more.