Where U.S. patients spend the most for dental exams

On average, patients in North Dakota pay $263 for a dental cleaning and x-rays, which is the most expensive U.S. state for dental exams, according to a new study conducted by Celebrate Dental & Braces in Las Vegas.

The least expensive dental exams are in New Hampshire, where patients pay about 70% less than those in North Dakota, according to the results, which are based on data on the average dental exam costs by state in 2023 from health credit card company CareCredit.

The cost of the average dental exam in North Dakota is not only the most expensive, but it's about 30% more than the U.S. average for a routine dental checkup, according to the results.

Indiana was ranked second on the list with an average dental exam costing $247. Montana followed closely behind at $236 for dental cleaning and x-rays. Missouri came in fourth place with the average exam costing $229. Oklahoma and Texas tied for fifth place with a checkup costing $227, according to the research.

The most affordable state for a dental exam is New Hampshire, where it costs $153. This is approximately 24% below the U.S. average.

Washington was ranked the second most affordable state for dental exams with an average cost of $166. Coming in at just a dollar less, at $167 per checkup, Colorado was ranked third, according to the results.

Kentucky and Wyoming followed in fourth and fifth places. In Kentucky, the average cost of a dental checkup is $168, and the cost is $170 in Wyoming.

"More can be done to make dental care affordable and accessible for all," Dr. Kelsey Loveland, of Celebrate Dental & Braces, said in a press release. "By expanding Medicaid coverage, increasing funding for community dental clinics, and implementing sliding scale payment options, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to the preventative care that can catch issues early, ultimately saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs."