The average annual percentage of spending on dental care in the United States is 3.2%, based on average annual per capita spending of $16,244 and dental costs of $524.
But in recent years, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Florida residents have been paying a higher percentage of their dental costs. In fact, Floridians spend 11% more on oral health than the U.S. average.
Residents of neighboring states such as Georgia spent only 3.41%.
Florida residents spend the 16th highest percentage of their spending on dental care. Data shows the average resident spends $511 a year on dental care. Total per capita spending was $14,354, with dental costs accounting for 3.56% of total spending, or about $1 in every $29, slightly above the national average.
A Kaiser Family Foundation survey in July found that nearly half of American adults say they can’t afford health care.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Max Dawabshe of Thorncrest Dentistry said the northwestern and rural states spend the highest percentage of their spending on dental care.
In these states, even modest dental costs can represent a large proportion of annual spending, and per capita personal spending is below the national average, meaning that a higher proportion is spent on going to the dentist than in other regions.
“While you should never bargain for quality care, you should always do your research before spending large amounts of money on a dental provider. Check online reviews on trusted sites and always look into free consultation options. This will help you justify your spending on dental care and ultimately feel good about spending your hard-earned money,” said Dr. Max Dawabshe.
