Oral Health Care Access for Children in North Carolina: Profile of General and Pediatric Dentists

General practicing dentists (GPs) and pediatric dentists are recognized as primary dental care providers for children. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes from 1990 to 2010 in demographics and practice distribution of these two groups in North Carolina (NC). Dental practitioner and practice data were obtained from the North Carolina Health Professions Data System and county population data from the North Carolina State Data Center. Provider location/patient ratios were higher in 2010 than 1990 and were consistently higher in metropolitan counties than rural counties. The mean age of GPs increased each decade and in 2010 was higher in rural counties than metropolitan counties (P<0.001). From 1990 to 2010, an increase in the gender and racial diversity of GPs and pediatric dentists occurred in NC (P <0.002). These changes were almost exclusively in metropolitan counties. This trend was most pronounced in pediatric dentistry. Although the number of primary care providers and their location to population ratios increased from 1990 to 2010 in NC, the disparity between rural and metropolitan counties appears to be increasing. The aging dental workforce, especially in rural counties, is a major concern and could exacerbate future workforce balance. The dental health of residents, particularly children, in NC, and possibly other states experiencing similar trends, may be negatively impacted by the disparity in provider ratios. This issue could be exacerbated if the incidence of dental caries increases in children.