No one can accurately project the economic future. While the U.S. economy will be part of a more global economy, the economic projections for the United States appear bright.
The national deficit may not be eliminated, but it will become a lesser and lesser percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Annual improvement of the GDP and productivity growth are projected to be at least equal to earlier periods in U.S. history that are considered “good” economic times.
If inflation and
unemployment continue at reasonable levels (in 1998,unemployment was only 4.3% and inflation was approximately 2%),16 there will be more discretionary income available, and discretionary income is generally what is utilized for dental health expenditures.
Thus it appears that the economic forecast for the United States is good. With more discretionary income and more health care benefits for the adult segment of society, the demand for future dental services should increase.