The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute is predicting that the U.S. dentist workforce will increase through 2037 due to an influx of younger and more diverse dentists.
Below are industry projections for 10 select states, particularly those with some of the highest population concentrations, per the ADA:
California
In 2020, there were 78.7 dentists per 100,000 people in California. By 2035, the ADA projects 79 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, but after adjusting for hours worked and patient visits, will remain stable or decrease slightly.
Florida
In 2020, there were 53.4 dentists per 100,000 people in Florida. By 2035, the ADA projects 56.9 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase even after adjusting for hours worked and patient visits.
Georgia
In 2020, there were 47.9 dentists per 100,000 people in Georgia. By 2035, the ADA projects 48.6 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase but remain stable after adjusting for hours worked and patient visits.
Illinois
In 2020, there were 71.2 dentists per 100,000 people in Illinois. By 2035, the ADA projects 77.8 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked, patient visits and population growth.
Massachusetts
In 2020, there were 80.5 dentists per 100,000 people in Massachusetts. By 2035, the ADA projects 87.3 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked, patient visits and population growth.
Michigan
In 2020, there were 60.7 dentists per 100,000 people in Michigan. By 2035, the ADA projects 62.8 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will remain stable, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked and patient visits.
New York
In 2020, there were 75.4 dentists per 100,000 people in New York. By 2035, the ADA projects 82.2 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked, patient visits and population growth.
Ohio
In 2020, there were 53.6 dentists per 100,000 people in Ohio. By 2035, the ADA projects 57.3 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked and patient visits.
Oregon
In 2020, there were 70.5 dentists per 100,000 people in Oregon. By 2035, the ADA projects 72.5 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked, patient visits and population growth.
Texas
In 2020, there were 56.8 dentists per 100,000 people in Texas. By 2035, the ADA projects 63.8 dentists per 100,000 people. The association predicts the supply of dentists statewide will increase, even after adjusting for dentist hours worked, patient visits and population growth.