New Delta Dental Report: 91% of adults say oral health is a key part of overall health
May 19, 2026 — Delta Dental has released its 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, a nationwide analysis of consumer opinions and behaviors related to oral health.
Now in its sixth year, the report finds near-universal agreement among adults (91%) that oral health is a key part of overall health, underscoring its role in supporting physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life.
Adults are increasingly recognizing the connection between oral health and broader systemic conditions, with awareness of links to chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia rising this year.
Younger adults are helping drive this shift, with Gen Z showing notable year-over-year gains in understanding how oral health connects to overall and chronic health. Among Gen Z respondents, 94% say oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health, up from 89% in 2025.
“Dental benefits are a cornerstone of preventive oral health and long-term wellness,” Dr. Linda Vidone, Vice President of Clinical Management, Delta Dental of Massachusetts. “Embracing preventive dental care not only preserves oral health, but also strengthens overall health, reduces avoidable complications, and supports a higher quality of life over time.”
Additional key findings from the 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report include:
Preventive care gains momentum, access gaps remain
90% of adults say preventive dental exams are just as important as an annual physical exam, up from 87% in 2025.
In 2025, adults living in urban areas were more likely than those in rural areas to report a preventive dental visit (53% vs. 40%).
Gen Z deepens understanding, reports improved oral health
More than 8 in 10 (81%) of Gen Z respondents agree that protecting oral health is closely connected to mental health, up from 73% last year.
About half (48%) of Gen Z respondents rate their oral health positively, up significantly from 31% in 2025.
Children’s oral health shows marked improvement
95% of parents say their child’s oral health is a top priority.
In 2026, 78% of parents rated their child’s oral health as "good" or "excellent," the highest level in five years.
To read the 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report and learn more about the research methodology and full findings, click here.
About the report
Delta Dental Plans Association commissioned a third-party market research firm, Material Holdings, LLC, to conduct the research that formed the basis of this report. Material conducted the research between January 5 and January 15, 2026, using an email invitation and online surveys of audiences recruited through an opt-in panel:
1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+
1,000 parents of children ages 12 and under
Geographic distribution quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the U.S. population. The margin of error is +/- 3%.
About Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Delta Dental of Massachusetts (www.deltadentalma.com), the largest provider of dental benefits in the state, is a leader in innovative programs that improve the overall health of members, prevent oral disease and reduce health care costs for employers, groups and individuals. Headquartered in Charlestown, Mass., Delta Dental of Massachusetts, a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association (www.deltadental.com), covers more than 2 million people. Follow us on X (@DeltaDentalofMA), Facebook (www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalMA), and Instagram (@deltadentalofma).
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