Although increasing dental school enrollment is largely seen as beneficial for patient care and the overall industry, it could also come with several drawbacks, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon, dental director for Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics and Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker’s about the potential disadvantages of this trend.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics or Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
Dental schools have seen a huge increase in enrollment, and the reasons for it are quite clear. Most notably, the number of dental schools has increased significantly. In 2024, the U.S. had 73 accredited predoctoral dental programs, up from 67 in 2020 and just 55 in 2000. A quarter of all first-year students enrolled in newly established schools, according to data from the American Dental Association. This coincides with a surge in the desirability of a dental career. In 2024, U.S. dental schools received 12,491 applications, an 11.5% increase from the previous year, while first‑year enrollment surpassed 7,000 students, the highest level since 2000. Dentistry’s reputation for career stability and a strong earning potential help account for the increased interest. More students from historically underrepresented groups and more women are entering dental programs, expanding the applicant pool and contributing to rising enrollment.
Is this necessarily a good thing for the profession? With an increase of practicing dentists, there’s a strong likelihood that desirable urban areas of large cities will become over-saturated, while rural areas will continue to struggle to find providers. Some believe the expansion of the number of dental schools will result in a decline of clinical requirements. The cost of dental school care is increasing to near private practice levels. Schools are also finding it harder to attract patients that can provide an adequate amount of hands-on experience for their students, according to a 2024 study on challenges in dental education.
