Some factors that endodontists may consider when selecting a practice location

The distribution of endodontists per population is considered in terms of the ranking of states by the availability of a graduate endodontic training program and selected population demographic characteristics. Statistically significant positive relationships were found for the endodontist to population ratios, and (i) overall health and social conditions, (ii) per capita income, (iii) per capita spending for health care, and (iv) percentage of the population that is Hispanic and Asian-American. Negative relationships were found for (i) increases in the population that is underserved by dentists, (ii) higher levels of out-of-pocket spending for health care, and (iii) increases in the population below the poverty level. Further analysis at the local level (and for individual practitioners) is needed to better understand the decision process in the selection of a practice site.