Almost Half of Adults Cite Inflation – Not COVID – as Reason for Delaying Dental Care

January 3, 2023 - ​PARSIPPANY, NJ — Adults were more likely to report that concerns about inflation and rising prices, rather than concerns about COVID-19, prompted them to delay oral health care, according to a new public opinion poll circulated in New Jersey by Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut. The poll commissioned by the Delta Dental Institute found that 95% of adults agree oral health is essential to overall health. Almost 6 in 10 said they would continue to receive routine, preventive dental care to avoid major health care costs down the line, even if money were tight. But almost half of adults surveyed — including 42% of dental and health care workers — said they delayed or canceled a dental cleaning, citing inflation and rising costs as their primary concern.

Adults in lower income brackets were much more likely to delay oral health care than their higher-earning counterparts. “At Delta Dental, we understand that oral health is critical to overall health,” said Dennis G. Wilson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut. “Cost should not be a barrier to care, particularly for those in underserved communities. That’s why, locally and nationally, Delta Dental is investing in innovative research, products, technology, and partnerships to help ensure equitable access to affordable oral health care for all.”

The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation provided more than $761,000 in grants throughout New Jersey this year, supporting dental care for more than 14,000 residents in the state. More than 26,000 dental care kits and materials also were distributed to adults and children in New Jersey and Connecticut. About the survey The survey was administered by FGS Global in October 2022, among 1,321 U.S. adults, including seniors (ages 65 and older), human resource professionals, and dental/health care workers. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4% for adults, and +/- 6% for smaller audiences.

About Delta Dental

Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.9 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental and vision coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we're part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 85 million people. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com.

About the Delta Dental Institute

The Delta Dental Institute is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners across the country. With expertise rooted in Delta Dental’s rich history of oral health leadership, we engage in and support oral health research, community outreach, and advocacy, striving to ensure that everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and has access to the care they need. Visit deltadentalinstitute.com for more information.