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Dental workforce trends and children.

Richard W Valachovic1

  • 1American Dental Education Association, Washington, DC 20036-2212, USA. ValachovicR@adea.org

Ambulatory Pediatrics : the Official Journal of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association
|April 13, 2002
PubMed
Summary

The US dental workforce is shrinking due to fewer graduates and school closures, impacting children's oral health services, especially for low-income families. Workforce diversity also remains a significant concern.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Dental Workforce Analysis

Background:

  • The US dental workforce faces significant challenges impacting oral health service delivery.
  • Declining numbers of dental school graduates and school closures have been observed over the past 13 years.
  • Reduced class sizes and a 40% decrease in graduating dentists between 1986 and 2000 indicate a shrinking workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review trends in the US dental workforce.
  • To assess the potential impact of these trends on oral health services for children.
  • To highlight concerns regarding workforce diversity and its implications for vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of trends in dental school closures and graduate numbers.
  • Examination of demographic data for dental students.
  • Review of factors influencing the demand for dental services.

Main Results:

  • A significant decline in dental school graduates (40% reduction from 1986-2000) and multiple dental school closures.
  • Low representation of African American and Hispanic/Latino students (less than 5%) compared to their US population percentages.
  • Uncertain projections for future workforce needs, with demand highly dependent on economic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The declining dental workforce and lack of diversity compromise the ability to meet the oral health needs of the US population.
  • Indigent populations, particularly low-income children with high rates of dental caries, are disproportionately affected.
  • Addressing these workforce trends is crucial for ensuring equitable access to dental care.

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