22% of US dentists have dropped insurers in early 2026
US trend showing practice economics shift: 22% of dentists already out of networks in Q1 2026, up from 35% who intended to drop.
About 22% of dentists in the United States have withdrawn from insurance networks during the first quarter of 2026, according to a report released by the American Dental Association. The finding reflects a gap between stated intentions and actual practice changes: in a fourth quarter 2025 survey, 35% of dentists said they planned to drop out of insurance networks in 2026, but only 22.2% have followed through so far.
Why dentists are leaving insurance networks
The exodus from insurance networks reflects ongoing tension between dental practices and payers over reimbursement rates, administrative burden, and contractual terms. Dentists cite low fee schedules, delayed payments, and complex prior authorization requirements as key reasons for opting out. By leaving networks, practices can set their own fees and reduce the time spent on insurance-related administrative work.
Impact on practice economics and patient access
Dentists who drop insurers typically shift to fee-for-service models, which can increase revenue per visit but may limit access for insured patients who face higher out-of-pocket costs. The ADA's first quarter 2026 report also tracked consumer dental spending and staffing data, providing a broader picture of how practices are adapting to economic and workforce pressures. The discrepancy between planned and actual dropouts suggests that some dentists face barriers to leaving networks, such as revenue dependency, patient retention concerns, or contractual lock-in periods.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of US dentists have dropped insurance networks in 2026?
According to the American Dental Association's first quarter 2026 report, 22.2% of dentists have withdrawn from insurance networks so far this year.
Why are dentists dropping out of insurance networks?
Dentists cite low reimbursement rates, administrative burden from prior authorization, delayed payments, and restrictive contractual terms. Leaving networks allows practices to set their own fees and reduce insurance-related paperwork.
What is the gap between intended and actual network dropouts in 2026?
In a December 2025 survey, 35% of dentists said they planned to drop insurance networks in 2026. By Q1 2026, only 22.2% had actually done so, suggesting some dentists face barriers such as revenue dependency or patient retention concerns.
How does dropping insurance affect dental practice revenue?
Fee-for-service models can increase revenue per visit and reduce administrative costs, but may limit access for insured patients and create out-of-pocket cost barriers for those relying on dental benefits.
