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General dentist characteristics associated with rural practice location
Susan C McKernan1, Raymond A Kuthy, Golnaz Kavand
1Public Policy Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. susan-mckernan@uiowa.edu
Summary
Rural Iowa general dentists are older males born in Iowa. As this demographic retires, policy makers must monitor the evolving rural dental workforce, especially with more women entering the profession.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Rural Health Workforce Studies
Background:
- Rural areas face challenges in attracting and retaining general dentists.
- Understanding dentist demographics is crucial for addressing rural healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing general dentists' practice location in rural Iowa.
- Examined individual characteristics like dental school, birth state, practice type, sex, and age.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2010 Iowa Dentist Tracking System for private practice general dentists.
- Classified rurality using Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes.
- Employed chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Only 8% of general dentists practiced in isolated small rural towns, despite 15% of the population residing there.
- Younger dentists (≤40) were less prevalent in rural areas (17%) compared to urban areas (32%).
- Male dentists born in Iowa, older male dentists, and those graduating from non-University of Iowa dental schools were more likely to practice rurally. Female dentists in solo practices were more likely to practice rurally.
Conclusions:
- The current rural Iowa dental workforce is predominantly older males with Iowa origins.
- Anticipated retirement of this cohort and increasing female dentists necessitates monitoring workforce shifts.
- Policy makers and planners need to address future rural dental workforce needs.
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