Rural Dentistry

[NorthernMEd]

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For any practicing dentists, what is considered rural dentistry (population size) and what would be a population size that would be to small to be a rural dentist in?

 

[txaggie03]

1: There is no hard definition.
2: One.

hth.

 

[diasIItema]

Underserved would be a dentist to population ratio greater than 1:5000 in most states. There is no hard definition of rural dentistry, but there are geographic classifications of HPSAs. In general, rural has more older, retiring dentists and less competition so that's where the money is. Problem is a lot of those places are less desirable places to live. But they tend to need greater attention. If you have a desire to practice in a rural setting, then please do!

 

[Saddleshoes]

For any practicing dentists, what is considered rural dentistry (population size) and what would be a population size that would be to small to be a rural dentist in?

Over 30 years ago I heard a very respected crown and bridge dentist speculate that if a town was big enough to support a "Ford Garage" it was big enough to support a "Quality Dental Practice". At the time I laughed and questioned his wisdom.
NOW after over 30 years of a career mostly outside of urban and suburban America, I think the guy was about right!