How Many People Go to the Dentist? Understanding Global & National Trends

Every smile tells a story—but how many people take care of theirs by going to the dentist? In this article, I’ll show you the real numbers, explain why they matter, and help you see the big picture behind dental visits across the world. You’ll find out how age, money, and where you live can change how often you see the dentist. I’ll even share stories and tips so you can keep your own teeth healthy. Keep reading—you might be surprised by what you learn.

Table of Contents

The Current Landscape: A Snapshot of Dental Attendance Rates

Let’s look at the facts. I often wondered, “Do I see the dentist as much as others?” The numbers tell the story. In the United States, almost 65% of grown-ups visit a dentist each year. Kids do even better—about 86% see a dentist every year. For seniors, it’s just about 59%.

Worldwide, only about a third of all people get regular dental care. That means two out of three people might skip yearly check-ups. Around the world, dentist visits are not the same. Some places have good tooth care, while others hardly have any. The World Health Organization says dental care happens much more often in rich countries than in poor ones.

Here’s a simple chart to show you:

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization

What Do the Numbers Say?

Looking closer at these numbers, I see something good: Most kids in the U.S. visit the dentist regularly. This is because of programs that help kids’ health, like Medicaid and CHIP. Dental schools and community health centers also help.

Grown-ups have a different story. Many find it hard to get dental care because of high costs, little insurance, or just not knowing how important check-ups are. For seniors, things like living on a fixed income or not having Medicare dental benefits can make it even harder.

Sometimes, the numbers change a lot from state to state. For example, people living in big cities often have more choices. People in country areas might have trouble just finding a dentist.

Who Goes to the Dentist? Demographics and Gaps

Let’s talk about who is making those dentist appointments. By age, children are best at getting check-ups. School reminders and government programs help kids see the dentist.

Adults fall in the middle. Many have dental insurance from their jobs, but a lot do not. Adults often skip dentist visits unless there is pain or a problem they see.

Seniors visit the least. Many lose dental insurance after retiring. Medicare doesn’t cover most dental visits, so cost can be too much. Hard-to-get transportation also keeps some seniors away.

Does Income Matter?

Yes, a lot. If your family makes less than the government’s poverty line, only about 42% will visit the dentist in a year. But if you make double that amount or more, the number jumps to nearly 74%. That’s a huge difference. Low-income people are a lot less likely to visit the dentist, so dental care access is much lower for them.

Rural vs. Urban: Does Where You Live Impact Your Smile?

You guessed it. It’s no surprise that it’s easier to find a dentist in cities. Rural people may have to travel far, even hours, to find a dental office. Community dental clinics and mobile dental vans try to help with this “distance problem.” But it’s still hard, especially in places with few dentists.

How About Race and Ethnicity?

Dental visit rates are not the same for everyone. White adults in the U.S. are most likely to see a dentist, while Black, Hispanic, and other minority groups go less often. Reasons include less money, less insurance, and even language problems.

Why Don’t More People Visit the Dentist?

When I asked my friends why they missed their last cleaning, the answers were clear. Cost was the biggest reason—almost half said it cost too much. Even with dental insurance, out-of-pocket costs can add up.

Fear and dental anxiety were next. Maybe you have felt nervous before a dental visit too. Studies say about 10-20% of people are scared of the dentist. Some people have real dental phobia, and it’s very hard for them to go.

Other usual reasons are:

• Not enough time (work or school takes over)
• Feeling fine (“If my teeth don’t hurt, why go?”)
• Trouble getting there, especially in country areas

What Keeps People Away? Top Barriers

Let’s look closer. Some adults have no dental insurance. For them, a dental bill is pretty big. Did you know those without insurance are less than half as likely to go as those with private insurance?

Another problem is not enough dentists in some places. Some neighborhoods, especially low-income ones or those with lots of underserved people, might not have any dentist close by. Not enough workers make this problem bigger.

People with disabilities have even more trouble getting care. Dental offices might not have the right tools or training to help.

Even schooling matters—people with more education get exams more often because they know how important healthy teeth are.

Does Going to the Dentist Help?

Yes, a lot! Regular check-ups prevent all sorts of problems. Here are just a few:

• Cavities can be found and filled before they turn into big, painful problems.
• Gum disease gets noticed early, and nearly half of all adults get gum disease at some point.
• Cleanings remove sticky plaque and hard tartar before they cause trouble.
• Dentists can even see signs of oral cancer or other health problems early on.

Some people believe brushing at home is enough. But I’ve learned the best toothbrush can’t do what a pro cleaning does. And if something is starting, catching it early really helps.

What Happens if You Don’t Go?

Skipping the dentist can be bad news. Here are some risks:

• Untreated tooth decay: About 26% of U.S. adults have at least one cavity that’s not fixed.
• Bad gum disease: It can mean losing teeth, pain, and trouble eating.
• Very painful emergencies: Waiting too long often means you’ll need emergency dental care—it’s stressful and pricey.

But it’s not just your mouth. Not going to the dentist can hurt your whole health. Oral health is tied to heart disease, diabetes, and even good pregnancies. That’s why dentists and dental hygienists say regular visits matter for your whole body.

How Are Dental Visit Rates Changing?

Is it getting better or worse to see the dentist? It’s a mix.

For the last ten years, rates have stayed the same or only gone up a little. But things got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many dental offices closed or saw fewer people. Many skipped check-ups, and some are now just starting again.

Now, people are coming back for care, but some groups—like people without insurance or who make less money—are still behind. New forms of care, like tele-dentistry or video visits, help some, but nothing beats an in-person cleaning and check-up.

Closing the Gap: Programs That Help

So, how do we help more people get care? Public health people, dentists, and the government are working on it.

Community Dental Clinics and School Programs

Many cities and counties have community dental clinics that see people with or without insurance. School dental clinics and mobile dental vans go where kids are, bringing check-ups and fluoride right to schools. This also helps teach kids about healthy teeth.

Policy Changes and Insurance Fixes

Making Medicaid cover more dental care has helped in some states. Others are working to include seniors in Medicare dental plans. And companies see that offering dental insurance keeps workers healthier.

Scared of the Dentist? You’re Not Alone

If you’re afraid of going, you’re not alone. More dental offices are learning how to help scared patients feel safe. Some offer special help for those who are very worried or have special needs. Learning what to expect helps a lot.

If you want to know more about different dental treatments or lab options, check out digital dental lab benefits and how they help dentists everywhere.

Your Oral Health: What Should You Do?

I used to wonder, “How often should I go?” Experts like the American Dental Association and Dr. Joe Dental say a check-up twice a year is best for most, but some need to go more or less depending on your oral health.

If you feel pain, swelling, or spot a tooth problem, don’t wait! Get help fast.

Want to take charge of your teeth? Here’s what I learned works best:

• Brush two times a day, for two minutes each time
• Floss every day
• Eat healthy foods, and limit sugary snacks
• Keep up with check-ups and cleanings

When trouble does come up—like needing a filling, root canal, or new crowns—a good dental lab can help. Top dental labs, like crown and bridge lab pros or leading removable denture lab teams, work behind the scenes to make sure your new teeth fit and look great.

Bonus: Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an adult see the dentist?

Most adults should go every six months for a check-up and cleaning, but ask your dentist—your needs could be different.

What percentage of Americans skip the dentist because of cost?

Around 49%—almost half!—say cost is the main reason.

Is it bad if you haven’t gone to the dentist in years?

It can be. Small problems might get bigger, more painful, and more expensive the longer you wait.

What country has the best dental care access?

High-income places like the United States, Canada, and a lot of Europe have the best access, but there are still gaps, especially for country areas or people with less money.

If you want to learn about the latest in dental methods and materials, look at services from a dental ceramics lab for better, lasting smiles.

Key Points to Remember

• Most kids see the dentist every year, but fewer adults and the least seniors do
• Cost, insurance, fear, and access are the biggest obstacles
• Regular dental care helps prevent decay and gum disease, and it protects your overall health
• Your money and where you live really matter when it comes to getting dental care
• Community clinics, school programs, and mobile units help more people see the dentist
• Dental labs do important work—use a dentist who works with a top lab
• Don’t wait until you have pain! Preventing problems saves money, stress, and teeth
• Ask your dentist what’s best for you—everyone’s mouth is different!

Your smile is worth protecting. Whether it’s your regular check-up or a new crown, taking care of your teeth pays off for life.

This article was checked by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS, for accuracy and clarity. For more expert advice, check with groups like the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
• Dr. Joe Dental, DDS