The dentist workforce through the years

By | May 1, 2019

What did the dental workforce look like in the beginning of the century? And what will it look like in 20 years or so?

There are currently nearly 200,000 practicing dentists in the U.S., which represents about 61 dentists per 100,000 population in 2018. In comparison, in 2001, there were about 163,000 practicing dentists or 57 dentists per 100,000 population. The Health Policy Institute workforce projection model predicts a steady increase in the number of practicing dentists per capita through 2037 to about 64 dentists per 100,000 population. We are also seeing a shift in the demographic makeup of the dentist workforce, with a growth in the proportion of female dentists in the workforce, as well as more older dentists in 2018 than in the beginning of the century.

2 thoughts on “The dentist workforce through the years

  1. Vasudha Narra DDS

    We operate a predominantly female owned dental practice in Glendale Arizona. It didn’t happen this way on purpose. We are in a pretty high growth area. We purchased another dental practice in the same city and we are seeing steady growth in both practices.

    Reply
  2. Chris Mei, DDS

    Women dentists are definitely making a contribution to the dental workforce in Michigan. Female students now make up as much as 50% of the student body at schools of dentistry.

    Reply

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