GITNUXREPORT 2026

Customer Experience In The Dental Industry Statistics

Patient satisfaction in dentistry thrives on personal care, clear communication, and minimal wait times.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

92% of patients booked appointments within 24 hours of online scheduling availability check.

Statistic 2

Average wait time for new patient appointments was 12.4 days in 2023, down from 18 days in 2020.

Statistic 3

67% of practices using automated reminders reduced no-shows by 35%.

Statistic 4

Online booking adoption reached 58%, cutting phone wait times by 22 minutes.

Statistic 5

41% of patients preferred text reminders over calls, improving confirmation rates to 89%.

Statistic 6

Emergency slots filled 78% via app notifications in tech-savvy practices.

Statistic 7

No-show rates dropped to 4.2% with AI predictive scheduling.

Statistic 8

76% of millennials scheduled via mobile apps, 2.3x faster than phone.

Statistic 9

Practices with 24/7 self-scheduling saw 15% increase in evening appointments.

Statistic 10

Average appointment confirmation time reduced to 2 hours with chatbots.

Statistic 11

83% patient preference for same-day hygiene appointments availability.

Statistic 12

Cancellation rates fell 28% after implementing waitlist features.

Statistic 13

65% of recalls were automated, boosting annual visit frequency by 1.2.

Statistic 14

Virtual consults shortened initial appointment lead time to 3 days.

Statistic 15

70% fill rate for open slots via patient portal notifications.

Statistic 16

Pediatric practices averaged 8.7-day wait for checkups, vs 14 for adults.

Statistic 17

Insurance verification pre-scheduling prevented 22% of reschedules.

Statistic 18

55% of patients used Google to check real-time availability.

Statistic 19

Multi-provider practices reduced double-booking errors by 40% with cloud software.

Statistic 20

Weekend appointment demand up 33%, met by 48% of practices.

Statistic 21

AI optimized schedules increased daily patient volume by 18%.

Statistic 22

79% satisfaction with reminder personalization, cutting no-shows further.

Statistic 23

Post-COVID, 62% preferred contactless check-in scheduling.

Statistic 24

Ortho practices with aligner trials scheduled 25% faster.

Statistic 25

Average reschedule rate 9%, halved with flexible policy communication.

Statistic 26

88% of text-confirmed appointments arrived on time.

Statistic 27

73% of dental patients felt staff communication was clear and empathetic during visits.

Statistic 28

81% responded positively to post-visit SMS feedback requests.

Statistic 29

Email open rates for newsletters averaged 42%, highest for treatment education.

Statistic 30

67% of patients preferred video explainers over verbal instructions.

Statistic 31

Feedback response rate jumped 29% with incentivized surveys.

Statistic 32

76% valued two-way texting for questions pre- and post-appointment.

Statistic 33

Chairside manner scores averaged 4.7/5, correlating with 5-star reviews.

Statistic 34

85% comprehension of treatment plans with visual aids.

Statistic 35

Negative feedback most common on billing transparency (32%).

Statistic 36

69% more likely to refer after receiving personalized follow-up calls.

Statistic 37

Portal message response time under 2 hours satisfied 91% of users.

Statistic 38

74% of complaints resolved via email within 24 hours.

Statistic 39

Multilingual comms increased satisfaction 16% in diverse areas.

Statistic 40

82% preferred app notifications over phone for updates.

Statistic 41

Feedback loops improved processes in 63% of practices.

Statistic 42

Voice AI for triage handled 55% of routine queries accurately.

Statistic 43

78% trust level in dentist recommendations via email.

Statistic 44

Social media engagement led to 41% more direct communications.

Statistic 45

Pre-visit surveys gathered 88% actionable feedback.

Statistic 46

Empathy phrases in scripts boosted CSAT by 11%.

Statistic 47

70% of Gen Z wanted TikTok-style treatment videos.

Statistic 48

Real-time feedback kiosks used by 52% of patients.

Statistic 49

84% retention from consistent post-care texting.

Statistic 50

Billing queries resolved 93% faster via chat.

Statistic 51

77% felt informed after interactive consent forms.

Statistic 52

NPS surveys via QR code had 68% completion rate.

Statistic 53

In 2023, 82% of dental patients rated their overall experience as excellent or very good, with satisfaction linked to personalized care plans.

Statistic 54

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) for dental practices averaged 68 in 2022, higher than the healthcare industry average of 58.

Statistic 55

76% of patients who felt listened to by their dentist reported satisfaction scores above 9/10.

Statistic 56

Post-visit satisfaction surveys showed 89% of patients appreciated clear explanations of procedures, boosting overall ratings by 15%.

Statistic 57

71% of dental patients in urban areas cited friendly staff as the top satisfaction driver, compared to 65% in rural areas.

Statistic 58

Satisfaction with pain management during procedures reached 84%, with 92% of those patients recommending their dentist.

Statistic 59

67% of patients aged 18-34 reported higher satisfaction when offered flexible payment options.

Statistic 60

Overall experience satisfaction dropped to 73% for visits exceeding 45 minutes wait time.

Statistic 61

91% satisfaction rate among patients using online portals for pre-visit info.

Statistic 62

Pediatric dental satisfaction averaged 88%, driven by child-friendly environments.

Statistic 63

79% of patients satisfied with cosmetic dentistry outcomes, with repeat visit intent at 85%.

Statistic 64

Satisfaction with emergency care was 83%, but dropped to 69% for follow-up scheduling issues.

Statistic 65

75% of loyalty program members reported 20% higher satisfaction scores.

Statistic 66

Female patients showed 81% satisfaction vs 77% for males, attributed to empathy training.

Statistic 67

86% satisfaction in practices with video testimonials from patients.

Statistic 68

Average satisfaction score for orthodontics was 87, highest among specialties.

Statistic 69

72% satisfied despite high costs, if value was communicated effectively.

Statistic 70

Satisfaction rose 12% post-implementation of patient journey mapping.

Statistic 71

80% of 5-star Google reviewers cited exceptional chairside manner.

Statistic 72

Hygienist interactions boosted satisfaction by 18% in 74% of cases.

Statistic 73

85% satisfaction for implants when pre-op simulations were used.

Statistic 74

Overall NPS improved to 71 after staff training programs.

Statistic 75

78% satisfied with preventive care visits under 30 minutes.

Statistic 76

Satisfaction with sedation dentistry hit 93%.

Statistic 77

69% satisfaction for root canals improved to 82% with entertainment options.

Statistic 78

Multi-location practices averaged 77% satisfaction vs 84% for independents.

Statistic 79

83% of patients over 65 reported high satisfaction with gentle handling.

Statistic 80

Tech-integrated practices saw 81% satisfaction, 9% above non-tech.

Statistic 81

87% satisfaction linked to post-op care kits provided.

Statistic 82

74% average satisfaction recovered from complaints effectively handled.

Statistic 83

94% of patients returned within 6 months for cleanings.

Statistic 84

Loyalty programs increased lifetime value by 27%.

Statistic 85

68% referral rate from satisfied family members.

Statistic 86

Reactivation campaigns brought back 42% of lapsed patients.

Statistic 87

Annual retention rate averaged 78% in independent practices.

Statistic 88

VIP patient perks boosted loyalty NPS by 14 points.

Statistic 89

85% retention among insured patients vs 71% uninsured.

Statistic 90

Post-treatment loyalty emails retained 33% more.

Statistic 91

72% of ortho patients completed full treatment plans.

Statistic 92

Birthday reminders increased retention visits by 19%.

Statistic 93

79% loyalty from bundled family plans.

Statistic 94

Churn rate dropped 15% after NPS follow-ups.

Statistic 95

61% referred friends after exceptional service.

Statistic 96

Membership plans achieved 92% annual renewal.

Statistic 97

76% retained via automated recall series.

Statistic 98

Alumni events retained 55% of completed cases.

Statistic 99

83% loyalty in practices with transparent pricing.

Statistic 100

Gamified apps increased kid retention by 28%.

Statistic 101

70% lifetime patients from early ortho interventions.

Statistic 102

Feedback-driven improvements retained 81% at-risk patients.

Statistic 103

Referral incentives generated 29% of new loyal patients.

Statistic 104

87% retention post-implant with maintenance reminders.

Statistic 105

Personalized treatment summaries retained 34% more seniors.

Statistic 106

75% loyalty score tied to staff continuity.

Statistic 107

Win-back SMS campaigns succeeded 47% of time.

Statistic 108

80% of 5-year patients referred 2+ others.

Statistic 109

Predictive analytics cut churn by 22%.

Statistic 110

84% family retention with kid incentives.

Statistic 111

Post-care portals retained 76% for next visit.

Statistic 112

89% of patients rated procedures as comfortable with adequate explanations.

Statistic 113

Cleanliness scores averaged 4.8/5, impacting 92% of repeat visits.

Statistic 114

Wait time under 10 minutes achieved in 66% of visits, boosting quality perception.

Statistic 115

87% reported effective anesthesia with minimal side effects.

Statistic 116

Hygiene services quality rated 91% excellent for scaling and polishing.

Statistic 117

Implant success communicated led to 94% quality satisfaction.

Statistic 118

79% praised equipment modernity and hygiene protocols.

Statistic 119

Procedure accuracy in crowns averaged 96%, per patient feedback.

Statistic 120

82% comfortable with digital impressions over traditional.

Statistic 121

Emergency response time under 15 minutes for 73% of cases.

Statistic 122

Pediatric sedation quality satisfied 95% of parents.

Statistic 123

Whitening service consistency rated 88% across chains.

Statistic 124

85% no post-op complications in routine extractions.

Statistic 125

Facility ambiance contributed to 76% quality uplift.

Statistic 126

Laser dentistry reduced recovery time, satisfying 90%.

Statistic 127

Ortho adjustments precision led to 89% alignment satisfaction.

Statistic 128

81% valued eco-friendly disposables in service delivery.

Statistic 129

Infection control audits passed 98%, reassuring patients.

Statistic 130

Custom mouthguards fit quality at 93% first-try success.

Statistic 131

77% faster service with integrated CBCT imaging.

Statistic 132

Prosthetics shade matching accuracy 92% patient-approved.

Statistic 133

TMJ treatment efficacy rated 84% by chronic sufferers.

Statistic 134

86% satisfaction with sleep apnea oral appliances.

Statistic 135

Veneer durability feedback positive in 91% at 2 years.

Statistic 136

Fluoride application quality enhanced cavity prevention by 34%.

Statistic 137

83% endodontics quality with rotary instrumentation.

Statistic 138

Periodontal scaling depth accuracy 88%.

Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497
While an impressive 82% of dental patients now rate their experience as excellent, the real story is how a single, personal touch—like truly listening to a patient—can skyrocket satisfaction scores above 9 out of 10.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, 82% of dental patients rated their overall experience as excellent or very good, with satisfaction linked to personalized care plans.
  • The Net Promoter Score (NPS) for dental practices averaged 68 in 2022, higher than the healthcare industry average of 58.
  • 76% of patients who felt listened to by their dentist reported satisfaction scores above 9/10.
  • 92% of patients booked appointments within 24 hours of online scheduling availability check.
  • Average wait time for new patient appointments was 12.4 days in 2023, down from 18 days in 2020.
  • 67% of practices using automated reminders reduced no-shows by 35%.
  • 73% of dental patients felt staff communication was clear and empathetic during visits.
  • 81% responded positively to post-visit SMS feedback requests.
  • Email open rates for newsletters averaged 42%, highest for treatment education.
  • 89% of patients rated procedures as comfortable with adequate explanations.
  • Cleanliness scores averaged 4.8/5, impacting 92% of repeat visits.
  • Wait time under 10 minutes achieved in 66% of visits, boosting quality perception.
  • 94% of patients returned within 6 months for cleanings.
  • Loyalty programs increased lifetime value by 27%.
  • 68% referral rate from satisfied family members.

Patient satisfaction in dentistry thrives on personal care, clear communication, and minimal wait times.

Appointment Scheduling

  • 92% of patients booked appointments within 24 hours of online scheduling availability check.
  • Average wait time for new patient appointments was 12.4 days in 2023, down from 18 days in 2020.
  • 67% of practices using automated reminders reduced no-shows by 35%.
  • Online booking adoption reached 58%, cutting phone wait times by 22 minutes.
  • 41% of patients preferred text reminders over calls, improving confirmation rates to 89%.
  • Emergency slots filled 78% via app notifications in tech-savvy practices.
  • No-show rates dropped to 4.2% with AI predictive scheduling.
  • 76% of millennials scheduled via mobile apps, 2.3x faster than phone.
  • Practices with 24/7 self-scheduling saw 15% increase in evening appointments.
  • Average appointment confirmation time reduced to 2 hours with chatbots.
  • 83% patient preference for same-day hygiene appointments availability.
  • Cancellation rates fell 28% after implementing waitlist features.
  • 65% of recalls were automated, boosting annual visit frequency by 1.2.
  • Virtual consults shortened initial appointment lead time to 3 days.
  • 70% fill rate for open slots via patient portal notifications.
  • Pediatric practices averaged 8.7-day wait for checkups, vs 14 for adults.
  • Insurance verification pre-scheduling prevented 22% of reschedules.
  • 55% of patients used Google to check real-time availability.
  • Multi-provider practices reduced double-booking errors by 40% with cloud software.
  • Weekend appointment demand up 33%, met by 48% of practices.
  • AI optimized schedules increased daily patient volume by 18%.
  • 79% satisfaction with reminder personalization, cutting no-shows further.
  • Post-COVID, 62% preferred contactless check-in scheduling.
  • Ortho practices with aligner trials scheduled 25% faster.
  • Average reschedule rate 9%, halved with flexible policy communication.
  • 88% of text-confirmed appointments arrived on time.

Appointment Scheduling Interpretation

In the relentless battle for dental patients' time, technology has emerged as the ultimate filling, expertly plugging the gaps in appointment books while transforming the dreaded wait into a swift, painless, and oddly satisfying click.

Communication and Feedback

  • 73% of dental patients felt staff communication was clear and empathetic during visits.
  • 81% responded positively to post-visit SMS feedback requests.
  • Email open rates for newsletters averaged 42%, highest for treatment education.
  • 67% of patients preferred video explainers over verbal instructions.
  • Feedback response rate jumped 29% with incentivized surveys.
  • 76% valued two-way texting for questions pre- and post-appointment.
  • Chairside manner scores averaged 4.7/5, correlating with 5-star reviews.
  • 85% comprehension of treatment plans with visual aids.
  • Negative feedback most common on billing transparency (32%).
  • 69% more likely to refer after receiving personalized follow-up calls.
  • Portal message response time under 2 hours satisfied 91% of users.
  • 74% of complaints resolved via email within 24 hours.
  • Multilingual comms increased satisfaction 16% in diverse areas.
  • 82% preferred app notifications over phone for updates.
  • Feedback loops improved processes in 63% of practices.
  • Voice AI for triage handled 55% of routine queries accurately.
  • 78% trust level in dentist recommendations via email.
  • Social media engagement led to 41% more direct communications.
  • Pre-visit surveys gathered 88% actionable feedback.
  • Empathy phrases in scripts boosted CSAT by 11%.
  • 70% of Gen Z wanted TikTok-style treatment videos.
  • Real-time feedback kiosks used by 52% of patients.
  • 84% retention from consistent post-care texting.
  • Billing queries resolved 93% faster via chat.
  • 77% felt informed after interactive consent forms.
  • NPS surveys via QR code had 68% completion rate.

Communication and Feedback Interpretation

While patients shower your chairside charm with high scores, they'll still roast your billing opacity, so prioritize clear communication across every channel—from post-care TikToks to two-way texts—because a modern practice thrives not just on empathy but on seamless, transparent, and visual information at every touchpoint.

Patient Satisfaction

  • In 2023, 82% of dental patients rated their overall experience as excellent or very good, with satisfaction linked to personalized care plans.
  • The Net Promoter Score (NPS) for dental practices averaged 68 in 2022, higher than the healthcare industry average of 58.
  • 76% of patients who felt listened to by their dentist reported satisfaction scores above 9/10.
  • Post-visit satisfaction surveys showed 89% of patients appreciated clear explanations of procedures, boosting overall ratings by 15%.
  • 71% of dental patients in urban areas cited friendly staff as the top satisfaction driver, compared to 65% in rural areas.
  • Satisfaction with pain management during procedures reached 84%, with 92% of those patients recommending their dentist.
  • 67% of patients aged 18-34 reported higher satisfaction when offered flexible payment options.
  • Overall experience satisfaction dropped to 73% for visits exceeding 45 minutes wait time.
  • 91% satisfaction rate among patients using online portals for pre-visit info.
  • Pediatric dental satisfaction averaged 88%, driven by child-friendly environments.
  • 79% of patients satisfied with cosmetic dentistry outcomes, with repeat visit intent at 85%.
  • Satisfaction with emergency care was 83%, but dropped to 69% for follow-up scheduling issues.
  • 75% of loyalty program members reported 20% higher satisfaction scores.
  • Female patients showed 81% satisfaction vs 77% for males, attributed to empathy training.
  • 86% satisfaction in practices with video testimonials from patients.
  • Average satisfaction score for orthodontics was 87, highest among specialties.
  • 72% satisfied despite high costs, if value was communicated effectively.
  • Satisfaction rose 12% post-implementation of patient journey mapping.
  • 80% of 5-star Google reviewers cited exceptional chairside manner.
  • Hygienist interactions boosted satisfaction by 18% in 74% of cases.
  • 85% satisfaction for implants when pre-op simulations were used.
  • Overall NPS improved to 71 after staff training programs.
  • 78% satisfied with preventive care visits under 30 minutes.
  • Satisfaction with sedation dentistry hit 93%.
  • 69% satisfaction for root canals improved to 82% with entertainment options.
  • Multi-location practices averaged 77% satisfaction vs 84% for independents.
  • 83% of patients over 65 reported high satisfaction with gentle handling.
  • Tech-integrated practices saw 81% satisfaction, 9% above non-tech.
  • 87% satisfaction linked to post-op care kits provided.
  • 74% average satisfaction recovered from complaints effectively handled.

Patient Satisfaction Interpretation

While patients overwhelmingly praise their dentists when they feel heard and cared for, the data reveals that satisfaction is a fragile crown easily cracked by long waits, unclear costs, or a lack of empathy, proving that in dentistry, the relationship is just as important as the procedure.

Retention and Loyalty

  • 94% of patients returned within 6 months for cleanings.
  • Loyalty programs increased lifetime value by 27%.
  • 68% referral rate from satisfied family members.
  • Reactivation campaigns brought back 42% of lapsed patients.
  • Annual retention rate averaged 78% in independent practices.
  • VIP patient perks boosted loyalty NPS by 14 points.
  • 85% retention among insured patients vs 71% uninsured.
  • Post-treatment loyalty emails retained 33% more.
  • 72% of ortho patients completed full treatment plans.
  • Birthday reminders increased retention visits by 19%.
  • 79% loyalty from bundled family plans.
  • Churn rate dropped 15% after NPS follow-ups.
  • 61% referred friends after exceptional service.
  • Membership plans achieved 92% annual renewal.
  • 76% retained via automated recall series.
  • Alumni events retained 55% of completed cases.
  • 83% loyalty in practices with transparent pricing.
  • Gamified apps increased kid retention by 28%.
  • 70% lifetime patients from early ortho interventions.
  • Feedback-driven improvements retained 81% at-risk patients.
  • Referral incentives generated 29% of new loyal patients.
  • 87% retention post-implant with maintenance reminders.
  • Personalized treatment summaries retained 34% more seniors.
  • 75% loyalty score tied to staff continuity.
  • Win-back SMS campaigns succeeded 47% of time.
  • 80% of 5-year patients referred 2+ others.
  • Predictive analytics cut churn by 22%.
  • 84% family retention with kid incentives.
  • Post-care portals retained 76% for next visit.

Retention and Loyalty Interpretation

The data overwhelmingly proves that in dentistry, genuine care is the ultimate marketing strategy, for a patient who feels valued will return, refer, and remain loyal through everything from birthdays to root canals.

Service Quality

  • 89% of patients rated procedures as comfortable with adequate explanations.
  • Cleanliness scores averaged 4.8/5, impacting 92% of repeat visits.
  • Wait time under 10 minutes achieved in 66% of visits, boosting quality perception.
  • 87% reported effective anesthesia with minimal side effects.
  • Hygiene services quality rated 91% excellent for scaling and polishing.
  • Implant success communicated led to 94% quality satisfaction.
  • 79% praised equipment modernity and hygiene protocols.
  • Procedure accuracy in crowns averaged 96%, per patient feedback.
  • 82% comfortable with digital impressions over traditional.
  • Emergency response time under 15 minutes for 73% of cases.
  • Pediatric sedation quality satisfied 95% of parents.
  • Whitening service consistency rated 88% across chains.
  • 85% no post-op complications in routine extractions.
  • Facility ambiance contributed to 76% quality uplift.
  • Laser dentistry reduced recovery time, satisfying 90%.
  • Ortho adjustments precision led to 89% alignment satisfaction.
  • 81% valued eco-friendly disposables in service delivery.
  • Infection control audits passed 98%, reassuring patients.
  • Custom mouthguards fit quality at 93% first-try success.
  • 77% faster service with integrated CBCT imaging.
  • Prosthetics shade matching accuracy 92% patient-approved.
  • TMJ treatment efficacy rated 84% by chronic sufferers.
  • 86% satisfaction with sleep apnea oral appliances.
  • Veneer durability feedback positive in 91% at 2 years.
  • Fluoride application quality enhanced cavity prevention by 34%.
  • 83% endodontics quality with rotary instrumentation.
  • Periodontal scaling depth accuracy 88%.

Service Quality Interpretation

Patients are clearly voting with their fillings, showing that modern dentistry has masterfully drilled down into the details, proving comfort, cleanliness, and clear communication are the true roots of a stellar smile and a loyal patient.

Sources & References