Delta Dental of Arizona Unveils Results of 2025 Statewide Oral Health and Wellness Report

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov 21, 2025) — Delta Dental of Arizona has released the results of its 2025 Examining Oral Health and Wellness in Arizona report, a statewide survey that explores how Arizonans think about oral health, prevention, and overall well-being. This year’s findings reveal that awareness of the mouth-body connection has reached an all-time high, with residents reporting stronger recognition of how oral health impacts mental and physical health alike.

According to the report, nearly all adults in Arizona (95%) believe oral health is important to their overall health, and 96% say protecting their teeth enables them to live a healthier lifestyle. Awareness extends beyond the smile; 77% see a direct connection between oral health and mental health, and 92% say caring for their teeth improves their confidence.

“Arizonans understand that strong oral health supports strong bodies and minds. Yet cost and access remain challenges that require collaboration among health organizations, policymakers, and community partners. By empowering people with education, access, and preventive resources, Arizona can build a future in which every resident enjoys the confidence and well-being that comes from knowing they are healthy,” said Michael Jones, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona.

Among the report’s highlights:

• Preventive habits remain strong. Ninety percent of adults made time for preventive dental visits in the past year, and 65% believe these visits help lower their risk of serious dental problems.
• Awareness is growing across generations. Eighty-five percent of millennials and 87% of Gen X adults understand that oral health is closely connected to overall wellness, compared to 76% of boomers.
• Mental health matters. Seventy-seven percent of adults see a link between oral and mental health, and 63% say dental problems rarely make life less satisfying.
• Pregnancy awareness gaps remain. Only 39% of those who are or have been pregnant know that gum disease may be linked to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Children’s oral health still needs attention. Fifty-nine percent of Arizona children have at least one cavity, and 74% of parents admit their kids’ oral health could be better.
• Older adults face added risks. Sixty-eight percent of boomers report living with at least one chronic illness, and 64% cite cost as the main reason they delay dental care.

“Consequences are real, especially for older adults in Arizona living with at least one chronic illness. Dental neglect can worsen heart disease and diabetes, reinforcing the importance of regular care even when no symptoms are present,” said Dr. Heather Schneider, dental director of Delta Dental of Arizona.

The report also found that access to dental insurance plays a pivotal role in preventive care and wellness outcomes:

• Eighty-seven percent of adults say having dental insurance encourages better oral health habits.
• Eighty-eight percent say it helps maintain good oral health.
• Eighty-four percent say it makes dental care more affordable.
• Seventy-three percent of parents without coverage hope to obtain dental benefits for their children.

“Prevention remains the foundation of lifelong wellness,” said Dr. Schneider. “When families have dental coverage and oral systemic education, they are more likely to build consistent routines that protect their oral health, and that directly supports overall well-being.”

The 2025 report underscores Delta Dental of Arizona’s commitment to advancing health equity and supporting programs that deliver preventive care across all 15 counties. Through initiatives with community partners such as Native Health, Polara Health, and Sun Life Family Health Center, the organization continues to provide oral health screenings, fluoride treatments, and education to thousands of Arizonans each year.

About the Research

Delta Dental of Arizona commissioned a third-party market research firm, Material Holdings, LLC, to conduct this study between June 26 and July 16, 2025. The research included 300 Arizona adults ages 18-plus and 300 Arizona parents of children ages 12 and under. Generational groups were defined as Gen Z (born 1997–2007), Millennials (1981–1996), Gen X (1965–1980), and Boomers (1946–1964). The research has a margin of error of ±3%.