Dental Workforce Trends and Children

Trends in the US dental workforce that may affect oral health services for children are reviewed. Overall, the number of graduates from dental schools has declined significantly over the past 13 years. Between 1986 and 1993, 6 dental schools have closed their doors, and one more has closed in 2001; only one new school opened during this time. The remaining US dental schools have experienced reductions in class sizes, and the percentage of graduating dentists declined by 40% between 1986 and 2000. Diversity in the dental profession also remains a concern. Less than 5% of incoming dental students are African American, and less than 5% are Hispanic/Latino. These percentages are far below the overall US population of African Americans (12%) and Hispanic/Latinos (11%). Currently, projections of future workforce needs are mixed and uncertain. The need for dental services is quite variable and is highly dependent on the economy. Good economic times tend to create a high demand for dental care. As the need for dental services increases, the greater the strain on the dental workforce. This decline in dental personnel and services may have far-reaching consequences among indigent populations, particularly for children from low-income families. Thus, the ability of the current workforce to respond to the dental needs of the US population is compromised by a number of factors. These factors may affect the ability of the workforce to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations; children with a high prevalence of dental caries present an especially daunting problem.

KEY WORDS:  children , dentistry , oral health , workforce trends