Is There a Shortage of Dentists in the United States?

As of January 2022, there were concerns about a potential shortage of dentists in certain areas of the United States. Several factors contributed to these concerns:

1.  Geographic Disparities:

Dentist distribution in the United States is not evenly spread, and there are areas, particularly rural and underserved regions, where access to dental care can be limited. In these areas, there may be a shortage of dentists.

2.  Aging Workforce:

Many dentists in the United States are approaching retirement age, leading to concerns about a significant number of dentists leaving the workforce in the coming years. This could exacerbate shortages in some regions.

3.  Increased Demand:

Factors such as an aging population, a growing awareness of the importance of oral health, and increased access to dental insurance have increased the demand for dental services. This increased demand can strain the existing workforce.

4.  Dental Specialties:

While general dentistry may experience shortages in some areas, there might also be variations in demand for dental specialists, with some regions facing shortages in certain specialties.

It’s important to note that the status of the dental workforce can change over time. Various efforts and policy initiatives, such as increasing dental school enrollment, expanding the use of mid-level dental providers, and offering loan repayment programs for dentists who work in underserved areas, have been aimed at addressing these shortages.

Are you struggling to find the right people to hire for your clinic? I’d love to talk with you and explain how my team has earned a 93% success rate in presenting quality candidates to our clients within the first 90 days of the recruitment process.