Access to Oral Health Care in North Carolina: Demographic and Geographic Trends for the Pediatric, Orthodontic, and General Dental Practitioner Workforce

Access to Oral Health Care in North Carolina: Demographic and Geographic Trends for the Pediatric, Orthodontic, and General Dental Practitioner Workforce Public Deposited

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Martin, James Patrick
- Affiliation: School of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics

Abstract

Introduction: Access to oral health care is a challenge for many. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographics and distribution of general dentists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists in North Carolina over the last 30 years. Methods: Practitioner data were obtained from the N.C. Health Professions Data System, and county population data were obtained from the N.C. State Data Center. Results: There was a substantial increase in practitioner gender and racial diversity, though increased racial diversity was limited almost exclusively to metropolitan counties. Overall practitioner/patient ratios were higher in 2010 than 1990. However, these ratios were consistently higher in metropolitan counties than non-metropolitan counties. Mean age of general dentists and orthodontists increased each year, and in 2010 practitioners in non-metropolitan counties had higher average ages than those in metropolitan counties. Conclusions: Rural and underserved counties may have increased generalist and specialist workforce shortages in the near future.

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