Research Objective: The objective of this report was to determine the geographic distribution of dentists in California, and to evaluate the community characteristics associated with a low supply of dentists.
Principal Findings: Communities with a lower supply of dentists tend to have significantly higher percentages of racial and ethnic minorities, children, and low income persons. In urban communities, the supply of dentists was negatively correlated with the percent of residents that were African-American, Hispanic and Native American, the percent that were children, and percent low-income population (p<0.001). Urban dentist supply was positively correlated with the percent of residents that were elderly and the median household income (p<0.001). In rural communities, the supply of dentists was negatively correlated with the percent of residents that were Hispanic (p<0.001) and Native American (p<0.05), and the percent children (p<0.001), and positively correlated with the percent elderly population (p<0.05). When all variables were entered into a linear regression model the percent of residents that were African-American (p=0.002) and Native American (p=0.026), and the percent that were children (p<0.001) remained independent predictors of urban dental supply. In a regression model predicting rural dental supply, the percent of residents that were Hispanic (p=0.036) and Native American (p=0.026) remained independent predictors.
Conclusions: There is an unequal geographic distribution of dentists in California, with low-income persons, racial and ethnic minorities and children are more likely to live in low supply areas.
Learning Objectives: A participant in this poster session will understand the basic distribution of dentists in California and identify the characteristics of communities with a low supply of dentists. They will also be able to describe the Dental Health Professional Shortage Area Desigantion Process and the National Health Service Corps Program
Keywords: Access to Care,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.