Mapping dental establishments in Massachusetts just before the recession

Bureau data indicate a continuing national increase in the number and size of dental establishments in the time just prior to the recent recession. During this same period in Massachusetts, there were marked increases in the number of individuals employed in dental facilities, and there was a combination of a minor increase of the population and limited proportional increase in the numbers of dentists and dental establishments. This resulted in small changes in population-to-dental facility ratios in most counties in the state. The usual favorable expectations of an economic upswing after a recession for dental establishments may need to be tempered given the increased overhead costs resulting from increased numbers of employees and the fact that the state has the highest dentist-to-population ratio in the country.