Dental Fees in South Carolina: How Much Do Common Procedures Cost?

Dental care pricing in South Carolina, as in many Southern states, has been influenced by factors such as inflation, workforce shortages, and regional economic conditions. This article will dive into the costs of common dental procedures and offer a comparison of pricing in South Carolina versus surrounding states. By understanding these figures, patients can better navigate their dental expenses and make informed decisions about their care.

Overview of Dental Pricing Trends in South Carolina

Dental care prices in South Carolina reflect broader trends seen across the Southern United States, including rising costs due to inflation and labor shortages. The state, like many others in the region, experiences disparities in dental pricing compared to national averages.

• $102.06 is the average out-of-pocket cost for dental services in Alabama in 2023.
• $130.43 is the average out-of-pocket cost in Mississippi for 2023.
• $109.03 is the average out-of-pocket cost in Texas in 2023.
• $106.06 is the average out-of-pocket cost in Georgia in 2023.

Regional Dental Cost Comparison

South Carolina’s pricing for dental procedures is generally on par with neighboring states in the South, but disparities do exist. Below is a breakdown of specific pricing for common procedures in South Carolina and surrounding areas.

Procedure	South Carolina Price	Alabama Price	Georgia Price	National Average
Resin Composite (1 surf)	$210	$195	$220	$212
Full Crown (Porcelain)	$1,250	$1,180	$1,250	$1,275
Root Canal (Molar)	$1,150	$1,050	$1,150	$1,150
Dental Cleaning	$105	$95	$110	$105

The table above compares the average prices of common dental procedures in South Carolina to nearby states. Notably, the prices for full crowns and root canals are fairly consistent, while the cost of dental cleanings can vary slightly.

Impact of Medicaid and Insurance Reimbursement Rates

Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services can have a significant impact on out-of-pocket costs. In South Carolina, the Medicaid reimbursement rate has remained relatively stable, affecting providers and the prices they set for services.

• Alabama Medicaid reimburses at 53.6% of commercial rates.
• Mississippi Medicaid reimburses at 49.2% of commercial rates.
• Texas Medicaid reimburses at 47.8% of commercial rates.
• Georgia Medicaid reimburses at 54.0% of commercial rates.

Key Procedure Pricing Data for South Carolina

For a more detailed look, the following is an analysis of specific dental procedures and their costs in South Carolina compared to neighboring states. These figures represent the prices for common dental treatments, as of 2024.

Procedure	South Carolina Price	National Average
Resin Composite (1 surf)	$210	$212
Full Crown (Porcelain)	$1,250	$1,275
Root Canal (Molar)	$1,150	$1,150
Dental Cleaning	$105	$105

As the table illustrates, South Carolina's prices for common procedures are closely aligned with the national averages, though small variations in specific procedures can be noted.

Dental Pricing and Regional Economic Factors

Regional economic factors play a significant role in dental pricing, as seen in the increased costs driven by inflation, labor shortages, and other factors. These influences affect not just South Carolina, but the entire Southern region.

• The average cost of a resin composite filling in 2020 was $191, a nominal increase of 32.6% from 2016.
• In 2024, the average cost of a root canal was $1,150, in line with the national average.
• Dental cleanings in Alabama averaged $95, 12% below the national average.
• Labor shortages in states like Texas have driven up the cost of procedures, with crowns in Texas averaging $1,320, higher than the national average by 3.5%.

Dental Cost Trends in the South

As inflation and labor shortages continue to impact the Southern United States, dental costs are expected to rise, with some procedures seeing higher price increases than others. Understanding these trends can help patients prepare for future costs.

• The cost of a dental cleaning in Georgia is $110, significantly higher than in neighboring Alabama ($95).
• Full crowns in Texas are averaging $1,320, reflecting the state’s dental therapist shortage.
• Root canal procedures across Southern states averaged $1,150 in 2024, staying consistent with national pricing trends.

Key Dental Pricing Summary

Here are some of the most important pricing insights for dental care in South Carolina and neighboring Southern states:

• $210 is the cost of a resin composite filling in South Carolina, similar to the national average.
• $1,250 is the average cost of a full porcelain crown in South Carolina.
• $1,150 is the cost for a root canal procedure in South Carolina.
• Dental cleaning in South Carolina costs $105, matching the national average.

The overall trends indicate that South Carolina’s dental prices align closely with national figures, though some specific treatments, like full crowns, can cost slightly more than the average in surrounding states.

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