Interpreting HRSA's Latest Dentist Workforce Projections

With the U.S. health care system in the midst of a major transition spurred on by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there is renewed debate over key health workforce policy issues. Health insurance coverage is expanding under the ACA, which will likely lead to increased demand for health care services. Longer-term, there will be increased emphasis on value, efficiency, and accountability within the health care system. These developments have major implications for the health care workforce. One key issue is whether the U.S. will face health care provider shortages as health insurance coverage expands and several health care occupations experience aging and other demographic transitions. Another key issue is how the move away from fee-for-service payment to more value-or outcome-based reimbursement models could potentially change the role of--and, therefore, demand for--different types of providers within the health care delivery team.