Humble, Texas Mar 29, 2025 – A new analysis has revealed significant differences in dentist availability across the U.S., highlighting a crucial aspect of overall health: access to dental care. A recent study by ranks the top 10 states with the most and fewest dentists per capita, bringing attention to key gaps in oral health services.
The study utilizes the most recent LinkedIn data, focusing on the number of dentists for every 100,000 residents in each of the 50 states.
The results demonstrate a considerable variation in dentist availability, emphasizing the pressing need for policy changes to improve access in areas with insufficient service.
Key Findings
- Wide Disparity in Dentist Availability: States such as Alaska and Massachusetts have the highest number of dentists relative to their population, while Georgia and Iowa show significantly low numbers.
- Regional Trends: The top rankings are primarily held by Northeastern and Western states, while Southern and Midwestern states are more likely to experience lower dentist availability.
- Policy Implications: To ensure fair healthcare access across the country, it is essential to focus on addressing dentist shortages in underserved areas.
Top 10 States with the Highest Dentists per Capita
- Alaska (59.35)
- Massachusetts (58.56)
- Texas (55.51)
- New Jersey (53.82)
- Colorado (52.75)
- California (51.33)
- Connecticut (49.93)
- New York (49.56)
- Virginia (48.18)
Top 10 States with the Lowest Dentists per Capita
- Georgia (25.62)
- Iowa (31.20)
- South Dakota (32.18)
- North Dakota (32.34)
- Louisiana (32.24)
- Washington (35.55)
- Arkansas (36.30)
- Mississippi (35.64)
- Alabama (36.49)
- Wyoming (36.63)
Bridging the Gap
These differences in access to dental care bring up important questions about the overall state of healthcare in the U.S. While some states, like Alaska, have strong healthcare systems, others, including Georgia and Iowa, struggle with limited resources and geographic challenges.
According to Mr. Olaide Lawal, “These findings underscore the immediate need for specific policies, such as providing incentives for dental professionals to practice in underserved regions and investing in local health facilities. Ensuring that all Americans have equal access to dental care can only be achieved by addressing these inequalities.”
For more details and complete rankings, please refer to the