International trends in dental insurance plans: a literature review on regulatory strategies and market expansion

Abstract

Oral health has gained increasing relevance in global health agendas due to its high prevalence and systemic impacts associated with conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and edentulism. In this context, dental insurance plans have emerged as a central strategy for expanding access and ensuring sector sustainability, responding to the demand for preventive and rehabilitative care as well as to the high costs of dental treatments. This narrative critical review aimed to map international trends in dental insurance plans, with emphasis on regulatory strategies and market expansion mechanisms. Searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and BVS/LILACS, in addition to technical documents from international organizations and regulatory agencies. The results indicate that the global market shows strong growth, with estimates ranging from USD 255 to 410 billion by 2030, alongside the consolidation of hybrid financing models and the incorporation of technological innovations such as teledentistry and artificial intelligence. Significant regulatory heterogeneity was identified: while countries such as Japan and France integrate dental care into universal health coverage, Brazil, the United States, and much of Latin America remain largely dependent on the expansion of private plans. It is concluded that the convergence of clear regulation, preventive strategies, and technological innovation constitutes the key axis for the sustainable and equitable expansion of dental insurance plans on an international scale.