Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Educating North Carolina's Oral Health Workforce in an Evolving Environment
Jane A Weintraub1, Jacqueline M Burgette2, D Gregory Chadwick3
1dean and alumni distinguished professor, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Jane_Weintraub@unc.edu.
North Carolina faces a growing need for dentists, ranking 47th in dentist-to-population ratio. This analysis examines how dental schools and external factors influence the state's dental workforce trends.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Workforce Analysis
Background:
- In 2014, North Carolina reported 4,681 active dentists.
- The state ranked 47th nationally in dentist-to-population ratio.
- Growing populations and persistent underserved areas increase demand for dental professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze North Carolina's dental workforce trends.
- To discuss the influence of dental schools and external factors on the dental workforce.
Main Methods:
- Commentary based on 2014 data.
- Analysis of dental school impact.
- Consideration of external influencing factors.
Main Results:
- North Carolina's dentist supply is below the national average.
- Dental schools play a role in workforce distribution.
- External factors significantly shape workforce dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the dental workforce shortage in North Carolina requires strategic planning.
- Understanding the interplay between education and external factors is crucial for future workforce development.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Health Literacy
Current Trends in Nursing II
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Current Trends in Nursing I

