Survey: Almost 40% of Americans lack dental insurance

Almost 40% of Americans do not have dental insurance, according to the newly released DentalPlans (DP) SmileIndex annual survey.

The survey polled about 1,000 Americans about oral healthcare access and affordability. The results revealed that 62% of respondents had insurance, while 38% did not. Those who had dental insurance tended to be younger, married with children, and have a college degree.

"Our annual DP SmileIndex survey confirms a big gap in the affordability of dental insurance," stated Bill Chase, vice president of marketing for DentalPlans, in a press release "Cost was the biggest reason cited by respondents and remains a barrier to many."

In the survey, three-quarters of respondents who made between $50,000 and $99,000 and 85% of those making more than $100,000 had dental insurance. In contrast, only 39% of respondents making less than $25,000 had dental insurance.

Other survey findings from the respondents without dental insurance included the following:

• 58% stated it was not affordable.
• 21% said it was not offered through their employer.
• 15% said it was not necessary.
• Only 23% of respondents would seek out other low- or no-cost alternatives to dental insurance.