#USA #Chicago #Delta Dental #Preventive Care #Dental Treatment

Strong Recovery in Preventive Dental Care

Recent data from Delta Dental reveals an impressive rebound in preventive dental care among insured Americans, approaching levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. This resurgence highlights an evolving landscape in dental treatment patterns and patient behavior, which have changed in response to various factors since the pandemic.

Historically, the pandemic significantly disrupted dental services, particularly in 2020, when preventive and diagnostic treatments experienced notable declines. In a pivotal study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2023, analyses covering 2020 to 2023 indicated that while dental care usage dipped dramatically during the pandemic, recovery has been robust in subsequent years. The study compared these post-pandemic figures with averages from 2017 to 2019, demonstrating a near return to previous levels for preventive and diagnostic services.

Key Findings from the Study

1. Restorative Treatments: There has been a marked decline in direct restorations (fillings), suggesting a reduced focus on reactive treatments following initial preventive care. Conversely, indirect restorations such as crowns have risen, especially among adults aged 19 to 64.
2. Rebound in Preventive Care: The study highlights a significant resurgence in preventive and diagnostic care, nearly restoring pre-pandemic figures. This suggests that patients are more engaged in their oral health and willing to seek preventive services once again.
3. Shifts in Treatment Patterns: There is a notable increase in the usage of night guards, indicative of changing patient needs related to bruxism and similar dental issues. At the same time, there has been a decrease in both emergency and surgical procedures in the same adult demographic, which could point to a shift in how oral health is being managed.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Chaffin, the Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental of Iowa and co-author of the research, these findings suggest a complex interplay of clinical, behavioral, and economic factors influencing the trends observed over the past three years. "While access to routine dental care has improved, the nature of treatments patients are receiving has evolved significantly. This shift likely began immediately after dental practices reopened and has remained constant since then," he commented.

The Role of Delta Dental

Delta Dental has long emphasized the importance of data-driven insights into oral health behaviors and treatment patterns. By analyzing national dental care claims data, the organization is committed to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of dental patients across the United States. This commitment aligns with their goal to enhance oral health outcomes through effective treatment strategies.

For more information on these findings, the executive summary is available on Delta Dental's website. Delta Dental Plans Association, founded in Chicago, Illinois, is a not-for-profit entity comprising 39 independent Delta Dental companies. It holds the title of the largest dental benefits provider in the United States, with a vast network exceeding 151,000 participating dentists. In the past 15 years, Delta Dental and its foundations have invested over $2.3 billion into initiatives aimed at improving both oral and overall health within communities.

About Delta Dental Institute

The Delta Dental Institute works to advance the oral health of all Americans by collaborating with Delta Dental companies and other dedicated organizations. Through supporting research, community outreach, and advocacy efforts, they strive to foster greater awareness of the connection between oral health and overall well-being, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary dental care.

By closely monitoring these trends, Delta Dental aims to adapt and tailor its offerings to better suit the changing landscape of dental care, ultimately benefiting the health of its clients and their communities.