Dentists’ current outlook on the U.S. economy is not only bleak, but they are feeling significantly worse than they did at the beginning of 2025, according to new data recently released from the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI).
Clinicians’ confidence in the dental sector and their practices has plunged for the second quarter of 2025, and the lack of trust in these areas stems from the current administration, tariff concerns, rising costs and inflation, too much uncertainty, and wars/geopolitical turmoil, according to HPI.
“Overall, results suggest that the dental economy is in a 'holding pattern' but might face headwinds in the coming months,” according to the report.
In the second quarter of 2025, nearly 31% of dentists reported being somewhat or very confident in the U.S. economy, which was a deep decline of approximately 56% from the end of 2024.
As for the dental care sector, about 45% of dentists reported being somewhat or very confident in the second quarter of 2025 compared to almost 63% at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, about 50% felt the same way about their individual dental practices in the second quarter of 2025, which was a slide from about 68% at the end of 2024, according to HPI.
As the U.S. economy adds jobs, job growth in dental offices has remained stagnant for several months. In June 2025, the total number of jobs in dental offices was down 0.2% from May but up 0.2% so far for 2025. Compared to the 12 months prior, the total number of jobs in dentistry was up 0.2%, according to the data.
Difficulties in recruiting staff, specifically dental hygienists, as well as hesitation to hire due to their feelings about their U.S. economy, may explain the lack of growth.
Dentists’ declining economic confidence mirrors trends among the general population, according to HPI.
Consumer dental spending continues to tick up slowly, with it being up 3% since the beginning of 2025. However, dental spending straggles behind spending on overall health and physician services.
Unfortunately, the gains in dental spending appear not to significantly impact dentists’ economic confidence and have easily been accommodated with existing capacity, according to the data.