Washington State's Oral Health Workforce: Who Provides Services Now, and What is Needed for the Future?

Objective: This study describes all components of the oral health workforce in Washington State, the programs by which state residents receive oral health care and preventive services, current and future workforce gaps, and policy options to help ensure an adequate future oral health workforce. Methods: Using data from surveys, professional licensure records, educational institutions, and related programs, the study estimates the size and distribution of Washington's oral health workforce; its demographic, education and practice characteristics; projections of state dental school graduates required to maintain statewide supply; and discussion of oral health workforce needs. Results: There are growing numbers of dentists, dental hygienists, expanded function dental hygienists, dental assistants, denturists, medical providers (physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants), and others who provide oral health services in Washington. There remain, however, underserved populations in much of the state. The size of the workforce appears unlikely to keep pace with state population growth, and will decline for many provider types as baby boomers retire. Conclusions/Policy Implications: Washington State needs more providers who will care for underserved populations and provide preventive services that will reduce future oral health care demand associated with the growth and aging of Washington's population. Strategies to improve the distribution and capacity of the oral health workforce include promoting pathways to health careers, providing incentives for service to underserved and special populations, supporting collaborative and inter-professional education and practice, and exploring expansion of the scopes of practice of non-dentist providers.