Dentist Outlook?

[JamieMac]

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I am sure that this has been covered at some point or another, but I was wondering what this forum thought about the outlook for dentists in the future (private practice and otherwise). I spoke with someone the other day that suggested that there is currently an oversupply of dentists. After doing a little research, the stats seem to suggest that it is about a wash. Does anyone here have any comments or information to offer on the subject?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SuperC]

There is ALWAYS plenty of room at the top.
-C

 

[xylashellx]

i know that in california they say that in the next 10-20 years there will be a big shortage. good for us!

 

[Arsenalista]

There's a shortage as older dentists are nearing retirement and there are less incoming dentists. This is a great time to go into dentistry as there is huge demand from patients because the general population is continuing to grow. In Illinois specifically, there are 2 dental schools were there were once 4.

 

[xylashellx]

In Illinois specifically, there are 2 dental schools were there were once 4.

my dad went to loyola chiacago. wish it was still open...

 

[JohnUNLV]

Everything I've ever heard is that as the baby boomers continue to get older/retire that there will be a huge shortage of dentists in the next 5-15 years. Just in time for us =)

 

[polarnut]

what you also have to consider is that there is a maldistribution of dentists across the country. places like Los Angeles where i live, theres a dental office every other block down the street. but when you look at the overall number of dentists currently working, significant proportion of them being in the age of 50+, the ever-growing babyboomer retirees, there is a downward trend of number of dentists per population.

 

[Arsenalista]

my dad went to loyola chiacago. wish it was still open...

I know what you mean, my dad went there too

 

[syn_apse]

maybe you guys have the same dad? 👍

 

[JohnUNLV]

maybe you guys have the same dad? 👍

haha

 

[Arsenalista]

maybe you guys have the same dad? 👍

 

[Drill2Fill]

Also with more women getting in to dentistry, the shortage will last longer.

 

[polarnut]

Also with more women getting in to dentistry, the shortage will last longer.

😕

 

[food4thots]

what do you guys think about HMO's? i hear it's gonna change dentistry like it did for the medical care in the near future.

 

[JohnUNLV]

😕

i didnt understand that one either lol

 

[food4thots]

is it supposed to be a sexist remark?

 

[Envision]

Also with more women getting in to dentistry, the shortage will last longer.

I think what eldentist meant is that woman are more likely to work part time.

 

[docious]

I would just ignore everyone and their doomsday prophecies... This is dentistry, not some fly-by-night, trendy business venture that is currently the darling of Wall St.

For example... I live in Pennsylvania which has millions upon millions of citizens. The state's dental schools will turn out about 350 new dentists this year year, with maybe half remaining in state.

As long as people have teeth, are living longer, and wish to keep said teeth... dentists will be doing just fine.

Do the math people! You have nothing to worry about.

 

[coolraz]

what do you guys think about HMO's? i hear it's gonna change dentistry like it did for the medical care in the near future.

fook HMO's man. They already tried to change dentistry and it didnt work. If an HMO rep shows up at your office, just tell him to get out. Or if you dont care about people, accept and do really fast really ****ty work on your patients (which is what medical HMO's do today) and sit there collecting your capitation payments.

 

[DentalNerd]

I think what eldentist meant is that woman are more likely to work part time.

I've actually heard this in some of my interviews. A higher percent of women are being accepted into dental school....up to 50% of the class. This is higher than in the past. It is believed by some that female dentists will work less hours and retire earlier than male dentists due to family, etc., creating an even greater shortage. Of course, this may or not be true. I wonder if the ADA has any stats on this.

 

[lgreen_aci]

You're so freaking funny syn_apse

Some really awesome dentists and specialists came out of loyola. To bad the schools gone.

HMOs! HA. Sure, sign up w/ an HMO if you don't want to help people and want to take a voluntary 60% cut in salary. How would you like going to school for an extra 4 years to become a doctor so some scum bag w/ maybe a b.s. or b.a. can tell you how to treat your patients.

If an HMO rep comes to your office, tell them you charge for consultations and they'll have to schedule an appointment and have it approved by your other HMO first.

It would be smart to understand why HMOs were created and what they are all about though. I have heard the question "what do you think about HMOs" is asked at interviews sometimes.

 

[TucsonDDS]

You're so freaking funny syn_apse

Some really awesome dentists and specialists came out of loyola. To bad the schools gone.

HMOs! HA. Sure, sign up w/ an HMO if you don't want to help people and want to take a voluntary 60% cut in salary. How would you like going to school for an extra 4 years to become a doctor so some scum bag w/ maybe a b.s. or b.a. can tell you how to treat your patients.

If an HMO rep comes to your office, tell them you charge for consultations and they'll have to schedule an appointment and have it approved by your other HMO first.

It would be smart to understand why HMOs were created and what they are all about though. I have heard the question "what do you think about HMOs" is asked at interviews sometimes.

I remember a cartoon once that had a guy with HMO rep or something like that written on his shirt standing at the nurses station in an ER with a big knife in his back. The nurse was saying, "I'm sorry but did you get pre authorization for this" I will always remember that one.

 

[JamieMac]

Everything I've ever heard is that as the baby boomers continue to get older/retire that there will be a huge shortage of dentists in the next 5-15 years. Just in time for us =)

If this statement is true...sounds like perfect timing! 👍

I am curious as to what the trend for number of dental graduates each year is. The population is obviously increasing, but how about the number of dentists. Is it keeping up proportionately?

Anyhow, thanks for the feedback.

 

[Yellow Snow]

I've actually heard this in some of my interviews. A higher percent of women are being accepted into dental school....up to 50% of the class. This is higher than in the past. It is believed by some that female dentists will work less hours and retire earlier than male dentists due to family, etc., creating an even greater shortage. Of course, this may or not be true. I wonder if the ADA has any stats on this.

I worked for a company that did research into physician distribution and it was found that 80% of female radiologists work half-time or less only a few years out of school. It would seem that this is very likely to play a role in dentistry as well.

I think having dental classes 50% women will/does play a large role in service availability.

 

[Yellow Snow]

I remember a cartoon once that had a guy with HMO rep or something like that written on his shirt standing at the nurses station in an ER with a big knife in his back. The nurse was saying, "I'm sorry but did you get pre authorization for this" I will always remember that one.

HMO's are the worst. When I was 18 my family was on dental HMO and I went it to have my wisdom teeth looked at. I'll never forget how rude the dentist was and in retrospect I really think he was trying to discourage patients from using his services. As I understand it, the dentist gets $x just for having you on his patient list each month. So, it would seem if he is already busy that he would benefit the most by discourging patients from coming to his office. Its not like the patients can just switch doctors because they are dissatisfied with the service.

 

[moonlight123]

Synapse you made me laugh so hard but it's mean though 🙂 🙂

May I ask what's HMO ? and why everyone seems dislike it ???

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[ethical]

fook HMO's man. They already tried to change dentistry and it didnt work. If an HMO rep shows up at your office, just tell him to get out. Or if you dont care about people, accept and do really fast really ****ty work on your patients (which is what medical HMO's do today) and sit there collecting your capitation payments.

Leave the profession before you start!!!!!!!!!!!