Dentist Shortage in America: Impact on Practices and How To Adapt
Millions of people across the U.S. are without access to proper dental care due to a troubling dentist shortage. Populations in underserved areas, such as rural counties, feel the effects most. In addition, practitioners in more urban areas have to cope with increased demand.
What’s causing the shortage? How can your practice adapt and overcome these challenges? Find out in this comprehensive guide.
The Scope of the Dentist Shortage
You can probably imagine what happens when much of the population goes without dental care. Millions could suffer from tooth decay or gum disease. Countless others may feel insecure about their smile.
Defining Dental HPSAs
Experts use Health Professional Shortage Areas to determine the scope of the problem. HPSAs have only one dentist for every 5,000 people. People within these regions often go without care, while nearby practitioners face bottleneck issues because of the demand.
What Regions Are Affected Most?
According to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration, some of the country’s most underserved areas include:
- Tennessee
- Alaska
- Mississippi
- Missouri
Georgia is one of the hardest-hit states. Augusta University reports that 64% of the state’s counties are without adequate dental care. The Georgia-based institution also claims that there are 23 counties in the state without a single dentistry office.
What’s Driving the Shortage?
So, why are there so few dentists in the country?
Aging Workforce and Retirements
The dentist shortage makes sense when you consider current statistics. Dentistry is projected to grow an impressive 5% over 10 years, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The dental workforce has plenty of room for growth since many practitioners are now nearing retirement age. A lack of experienced professionals creates gaps in the workforce, which has major implications for patients.
Fewer Dental School Graduates
Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration finds that America needs over 10,000 new dentists to eliminate its HPSAs. However, dental schools aren’t producing enough graduates to fill the gap. Those who do complete dental school may not want to work in rural parts of Texas, Mississippi, and other affected states.
Burnout and Administrative Burdens
Poor mental health continues to affect those working in dentistry. Providers often experience stress and burnout. Getting caught up in time-consuming administrative tasks also contributes to this, as it takes away from treating patients.
Financial and Insurance Challenges
Low reimbursement rates often prevent professionals from expanding dental care access. The financial burdens don’t stop there. Portions of the population can’t afford dental medicine and procedures due to limited Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
Consequences for Practices and Patients
How does the dentist shortage impact both offices and the patients they treat? Consider the following downsides to the problem.
Longer Wait Times and Reduced Access
Existing dental offices may have to serve patients from an underserved population. This ultimately leads to delays in care, as the office can only accommodate so many people.
Expanding Dental Deserts
There’s a startling lack of dentists in rural areas. Some people have to travel several hours to reach their nearest practitioner. If these dental deserts grow, dental care access becomes even more restricted, especially for low-income populations.
Worsening Oral Health Outcomes
During a routine teeth cleaning and check-up, providers identify areas of concern, like tooth decay or signs of gum disease. If someone can’t make an appointment because there isn’t an office near them, they can miss out on preventative dental medicine. As a result, more and more people might flock to a hospital ER instead for dental health emergencies.
Emerging Solutions in the Industry
Is it possible to fix the shortage? Some tactics are proving successful.
Policy and Workforce Planning
The U.S. government is doing its part to aid affected populations. The Department of Health and Human Services, for instance, offers resources for those looking for low-cost dental care.
Dental schools are adjusting their enrollment procedures to maintain a robust workforce.
Alternative Care Models
Many facilities rely on locum tenens dentists to provide temporary care. Care teams can also split duties between dental hygienists, therapists, and other clinical staff.
Innovations Within Practices
Individual offices are improving their approach to dental health. By focusing on better compensation and support, facilities can retain key clinical staff members.
How Weave Supports Dental Practices
The current dentist shortage certainly poses problems for existing providers, especially those on the outskirts of underserved areas. Weave products help them weather the storm. Online scheduling systems prioritize convenience while automated appointment reminders keep patients informed.
That’s not all. You can integrate digital forms for seamless patient intake, create engaging email campaigns, and develop team chat channels for staff communication.
Ready To Enhance Your Practice? Contact Weave Today
With the right technology on your side, you can overcome the challenges of the national dentist shortage. Weave is a trusted resource among dentists and other healthcare professionals. Book a demo today and see how you can revolutionize your practice.