Login Register FOR PATIENTS FOR DENTISTS RESEARCH DENTAL PROBLEMS

   Go

Since 1900 the number of dentists in the US has steadily increased until the year 2000. In 1900, the US had about 30K dentists. Today, in 2010, there are roughly 155K dentists nationwide. About 19% are women. Given that the population of the US in 1900 was 76M, and the population today is 309M, the number of dentists per 100K American has only increased from 38 to 50. Dentistry is the only medical profession suffering from a decline in the number of professionals, and this trend will most likely continue through the next decade. What this means is that more dentists will be retiring than are entering the work force, despite the fact that the percentage of female dentist will increase to about 30% by 2020.

Further compounding this decline is that some dentists only work part time. In fact by 2020, it’s estimated that 25% of all dentists will be part time, which is defined by working 30 hours or less per week. The other factor influencing the decline of the number of general dentists is the rise, over the last 30 years, of specialty dentists. By 2020 one in every four dentists will be a specialty: orthodontist, pediatric, periodontist, oral surgeon, endodontist, etc. dentist. Overwhelmingly specialty dentists work in urban areas, so the shortage of all dentists, but particularly specialists will be felt in rural areas. All of this means it will be hard to find a dentist, especially one you like. If you need assistance in finding a dentist, we invite you to call 1-800-669-4869, or browse this site for reviews of dentists in your area. Good Luck and Good Dental Health.

With thanks to Dr. Eric S. Solomon, Executive Director for institutional research at the Texas A&M Health Science Center and professor, Public Health Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry for his research.

---

  

Copyright © 2009 Free Dentist Finder. All rights reserved.