1. Data from the 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)

2. More Americans incurred an expense related to dental care than for any other disease condition.

3. Dental care is the second most expensive disease/conditions exceeded only by heart conditions

4. Private insurance spent more money for dental care that for any other disease/condition in 2008.

5. By far dental care was where the most out-of-pocket expenses were incurred in 2008

6. When it comes to Medicaid expenditures dental care is tied for tenth place. However, many Medicaid programs do not cover dental care for adults or cover orthodontic treatment for malocclusion.

7. With the exception of 2007 dental expenses have been the second most expensive disease/condition for the 5 year period 2004 to 2008 (most recent data)