The US average annual percentage of spending on dental care is 3.2%, based on an average per capita yearly spending of $16,244 and dental costs of $524.
But over the last couple of years, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show that Florida residents pay a higher share of dental costs. In fact, Floridians spend 11% more on oral health than the US average.
Residents in neighboring states like Georgia only spent 3.41%.
Florida residents spend the 16th-highest proportion of their outgoings on dental care. Data shows the average resident spends $511 annually on dental care. With per capita spending totaling $14,354, dental costs account for 3.56% of total expenditure, or around one dollar for every $29 spent, slightly above the national average.
In July of this year a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that almost half of US adults say it is difficult to afford health care costs..
Speaking on the findings, Dr. Max Dawabsheh from Thorncrest Dental said Northwestern and rural states show the highest proportion of outgoings on dental care.
In these states, even modest dental bills can represent a big share of yearly spending, with per-capita personal expenditure below the national average, meaning the percentage spent on going to the dentist is higher than the rest of the country.
“While you should never negotiate on quality care, you should always do your research before spending large amounts of money at any dental provider. Check out online reviews on trusted sites and always investigate the option of a free consultation so that any spending on dental work that you may have done is justified and you’re ultimately satisfied with what you’re spending your hard-earned money on,” said Dr. Max Dawabsheh
