Indiana is second most expensive state for dental exams nationwide
- Indiana is the second most expensive state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $247.
- New Hampshire is the most affordable state for dental exams, with an average exam costing $153.
- The study analyzed the cost of an average routine dental exam that includes a dental cleaning and X-rays.
According to a new study, the second most expensive state for dental exams is Indiana.
Research conducted by affordable orthodontists at Celebrate Dental & Braces has revealed the most and least expensive states for dental exams by gathering data on average dental exam costs in 2023 by state from CareCredit. This was done by examining the average cost of a routine dental examination that includes a dental cleaning (a fluoride treatment may or may not be included) and X-rays. Each state was then ranked based on their average dental exam cost.
Top five most expensive:
1. North Dakota has been identified as the most expensive state for dental exams, with the average cost for a routine checkup, including a dental cleaning and X-rays, reaching $263. The national average for a routine dental exam is $202, meaning that an average check-up is 30.2% above the national average in North Dakota.
2. Indiana ranks second on the list, with an average dental exam costing $247. An average check-up is 22.3% higher than the national average in the Hoosier State.
3. Montana sees an average dental exam cost of $236, making it the third most expensive state for routine care. In Montana, an average dental exam is 16.8% greater than the national average.
4. Missouri takes the fourth spot, with an average dental exam costing $229, which is 13.4% above the national average.
5. Oklahoma and Texas round out the most expensive states, with a routine dental appointment costing $227 in both states. For an average exam, both states pay 12.4% in excess of the national average.
Top five most affordable:
1. New Hampshire has emerged as the cheapest state for dental exams, with an average check-up costing $153. This puts New Hampshire at 24.3% below the national average for routine dental care.
2. Washington state ranks second among the most affordable states for dental exams, with an average cost of $166 per appointment. An average dental check-up is 17.8% below the national average.
3. Colorado secures third place, with the average cost of an exam being $167. This puts Colorado at 17.3% under the national average.
4. Kentucky takes fourth place, with a dental exam costing $168, which is 16.8% beneath the national average.
5. Wyoming is the fifth most affordable state for dental exams, with an average cost of $170. This figure is 15.8% under the national average for a routine examination.
Dr Kelsey Loveland - Doctor of Dental Medicine - DMD, Doctor of Medicine – MS at Celebrate Dental & Braces commented on the findings:
“Regular dental exams are not just about maintaining a bright smile—they are critical for early detection and prevention of more serious health issues. Oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, with conditions like gum disease potentially leading to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic problems.
“More can be done to make dental care affordable and accessible for all. 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.”