The data is from the Association of Dental Support Organizations, TheADSO.org:
Growth in Supply of Dentists
From 2011 to 2021, the number of active dentists in the U.S. has increased by over 13,600 – a 7% increase in total, outpacing national population growth (6%).
Growth in supply of dentists was most marked in North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Arizona.
Supply of dentists ranges widely across the U.S., ranging from Massachusetts with 82 dentists per 100,000 to Georgia with 47. Over the decade from 2012 to 2022, states like North Carolina, Texas, Nevada, Florida, and Arizona saw the fastest growth in the U.S. but remain below the national average.
36% of dentists were in a solo practice. 13% reported affiliation with a DSO.
The average retirement age for dentists is 68 years old.
Increased Number of Dental School Graduates
New graduates of dental schools in the U.S. reached 6,745 in 2022, a 28% increase from a decade prior. There are now 66 CODA-accredited dental schools in the U.S., up from 56 in 2011.
Startup Cost Challenges for New Dentists
The cost to open a new dental practice ranges from $120,000 for a renovated office space to $480,000 for new
construction on average. Equipment costs range from $50,000 for a three-chair practice to $70,000 for a six-chair practice.
References:
https://www.theadso.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240115_RTI_Report_Executive_Summary_v0222.pdf