The number of federally-designated dental professional shortage areas in the U.S. has steadily increased over the years, now hitting 7,229 shortage areas.
In the last year, the U.S. has gained nearly 350 dental shortage areas, according to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Here is how the number of shortage areas and number of practitioners needed has evolved since February 2024:
February 2024
Number of shortage areas: 6,820
Practitioners needed: 9,781
June 2024
Number of shortage areas: 6,842
Practitioners needed: 9,926
September 2024
Number of shortage areas: 6,882
Practitioners needed: 10,046
Source: Number of dental shortage areas continues to grow: Data / Becker’s Dental