Dentistry in the US is going through a dramatic transition as baby boomer dentists retire. There will be fewer full time general dentists over the next 10 years, and there are fewer dental school graduates to fill their vacated practices. This may make it harder to find a dentist in your area.
Due to population demographics, and the economy, the number of dental school graduates is expected to remain constant. It is simply too costly to open a new dental school without a corresponding growth in student population either domestically, or from abroad. However, there has been a marked increase in the number of hygienists between 1990, and 2002 - about 50%. That trend will most likely continue as the demand for dental cleanings remains constant. New hygienists should out number new dentists by 1.5 to 1 over the next 20 years. Most hygienist programs are run by 2 year schools, where the cost of attendance is far lower than dental school. Dental school graduates often are encumbered with debt of $250K.
Starting in a about 2007, the number of dentist retirees exceeds dental school graduates. As baby boomer dentists retire, they are simply fewer qualified dentists to take their place, which is great if you are a dentist, less so, if you are a patient trying to find a new dentist. Clearly poor economic conditions may force some general dentists to continue to work, at least part-time, for longer than they had anticipated. Should the economy improve markedly, that may change, which would make it harder to keep your old dentist, or find a new one.
Due to population demographics, and the economy, the number of dental school graduates is expected to remain constant. It is simply too costly to open a new dental school without a corresponding growth in student population either domestically, or from abroad. However, there has been a marked increase in the number of hygienists between 1990, and 2002 - about 50%. That trend will most likely continue as the demand for dental cleanings remains constant. New hygienists should out number new dentists by 1.5 to 1 over the next 20 years. Most hygienist programs are run by 2 year schools, where the cost of attendance is far lower than dental school. Dental school graduates often are encumbered with debt of $250K.
Starting in a about 2007, the number of dentist retirees exceeds dental school graduates. As baby boomer dentists retire, they are simply fewer qualified dentists to take their place, which is great if you are a dentist, less so, if you are a patient trying to find a new dentist. Clearly poor economic conditions may force some general dentists to continue to work, at least part-time, for longer than they had anticipated. Should the economy improve markedly, that may change, which would make it harder to keep your old dentist, or find a new one.