A new report from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute suggests that while dentists are becoming more optimistic about the economy, the financial pressures facing dental practices have not eased. Dental Economy – Q2 2026 report found that reimbursement rates continue to lag behind both inflation and rising practice costs. Confidence in the dental care sector rose to 50.2%. Patient awareness/value of oral health (8.0%)In contrast, only 25.2% of dentists were skeptical about the dental care sector. The report concludes that the “fiscal squeeze” on dental practices continues.