Dentistry's evolving workforce: 10 stats to know

The dental workforce could see major changes in demographics and size over the next few years, according to several studies reported on by Becker's.

10 stats to know:

1. The percentage of active female dentists increased from about 25 percent in 2009-2013 to 31 percent between 2014-2018.

2. 11 percent of dentists plan to retire in the next two years.

3. Employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase by 11 percent from 2020 to 2030.

4. Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030.

5. The percentage of female residents in orthodontics programs was 23.3 percent in 1990, but stood at 53.6 percent in 2020.

6. The percentage of dental school graduates from an underrepresented minority group was 13.8 percent in 2020, up from 12.9 percent in 1990. 

7. The percentage of residents in an advanced general dentistry program who are from an underrepresented minority group has increased from 13.4 percent in 1990 to 33.3 percent in 2020.

8. Female enrollment in advanced general dentistry programs increased from 25.4 percent in 1990 to 51.5 percent in 2020.

9.The percentage of residents in advanced general dentistry programs who are graduates of international dental schools increased from 5.6 percent in 1990 to 21.5 percent in 2020.

10. The number of dentists per 100,000 population was 61 in 2020, but the ratio varies in each state. Overall, the ratio increased for most states between 2010 and 2020.

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