Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of oral health as a foundation for overall health, especially in the context of an aging population in China [1] - It highlights the significant challenges faced by the elderly regarding dental health, particularly the high costs associated with dental implants [1][3] - The implementation of centralized procurement policies for dental implants has led to substantial price reductions, making dental care more accessible [1][4] Group 1: Current State of Oral Health - The average number of remaining teeth for individuals aged 65-74 in China is significantly below healthy standards, with a high prevalence of complete or partial edentulism [1][3] - The average number of teeth retained by individuals over 60 in China is only 8, compared to 26 in the United States, indicating a substantial gap in oral health [3][4] Group 2: Policy Changes and Market Impact - The centralized procurement policy for dental implants has resulted in a price drop of over 50% for imported implants, with some high-end brands seeing reductions exceeding 70% [1][4] - The average price of selected dental implants has decreased to around 900 yuan, with a reduction of 55% from previous prices [4][5] - The market for dental implants is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3%, reaching 30.86 billion yuan by 2030 [5][6] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The dental care market is increasingly dominated by private institutions, which have surpassed public hospitals in market share due to their service quality and pricing advantages [6][7] - The article notes a shift in focus among dental institutions from high-profit implant procedures to foundational treatments and preventive care [7][8] Group 4: Challenges and Consumer Awareness - Despite price reductions, the dental industry faces challenges such as high self-pay ratios (around 80%) and issues related to service quality and transparency [6][9] - There is a growing concern about low-quality competition and the potential for misleading pricing practices within the industry [7][9] - Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant about the quality of services and the qualifications of dental practitioners when seeking care [9][10]