American Dental Education Association

Dentists and Demographics

New Dentist-to-Population Ratios for Various Dates

American Dental Education Association

Compared to 1980, the ratio of graduating dentists to US population in 1990, 2000, and 2010
is significantly different.

In 1980, there were more than 6,000 graduates and the US population was about 227 million,
or a ratio of about one graduating dentist for every 38,000 Americans.

In 1990, there were less than 4,000 graduates and the US population was about 250 million, or
a ratio of about one graduating dentist for every 62,500 Americans.

In 2000, there were about 4,200 graduates and the US population was about 281 million, or a
ratio of about one graduating dentist for every 67,000 Americans.

In 2010, there were about 4,800 graduates and the US population was about 308 million, or a
ratio of about one graduating dentist for every 64,000 Americans.

In 2020, if we assume that every one of the new schools under consideration was to open with
an average class size of 85 (graduating class size of about 6,200) and the US population is
estimated to be 335 million, then the ratio would be about one graduating dentist for every
54,000 Americans. We know that all of these new dental schools under consideration are not
going to open. If we assume a more reasonable graduating class size of about 5,600, then the
ratio in 2020 would be about one graduating dentist for every 60,000 Americans.
 Professionally Active Dentists per 100,000 U.S. Population,
1976 to 2030
American Dental Education Association

60
60 60
Dentists per 100,000 people

55
54.8
54

50 50.7

45
1976 1982 1987 1992 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

* Number from 2010 to 2030 was projected.

Source: American Dental Association, Survey Center, Dental Workforce Model 2008-2030
 Race/Ethnic Composition of the Resident Population of
the United States, 2010 to 2050
American Dental Education Association

60 65

White

50
46

40

30
30
Hispanic or Latino

20

10.8 12
Black or African American
10 12.2 7.8
4.7 Asian or Pacific Islander
0.7 American Indian or Alaska Native 0.7
0
2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008