Study Reveals Changes in Oral Health Care Across America

• Study compares dentist to patient ratios over 5 years.
• Fentress County, Tennessee has made the biggest improvements; Chambers, Texas the least.
• Infographic included.

Good oral health isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s a crucial indicator of overall well-being. From preventing cavities and gum disease to lowering the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential.

A recent study by MyBioSource, analyzing County Health Rankings data, suggests that adult dental care accessibility has improved in the U.S. over the past five years. The study examined the number of dentists per capita and found that, nationwide, there are now 79 fewer people per dentist compared to five years ago—a promising shift toward improved dental care availability.

State-Level Improvements in Dentist Availability

Nationally, the study found that all but two states (Delaware and Rhode Island) witnessed an improvement in dentist-to-patient ratios. The most significant gains were in Mississippi, where the number of people per dentist dropped from 2,121 to 1,939, marking a 182-person improvement.

Infographic showing changes in dentist-to-patient ratios across each state

County-Level Trends

When broken down by county, the top five most improved nationally are:

#1 Fentress, Tennessee -10,223

#2 New Madrid, Missouri: -9,930

#3 Appomattox, Virginia: -8,827

#4 Brown, Indiana: -7,953

#5 Perquimans, North Carolina: -6,499

And the 5 least improved is:

#1 Chambers, Texas: +10,969

#2 Reeves, Texas: +9,242

#3 Burleston, Texas: +9,060

#4 Noxubee, Mississippi: +8,037

#5 Harrison, Ohio: +7,985

What This Means for Americans

While these numbers indicate progress, disparities remain. Despite overall improvements, several areas continue to experience dental deserts, where residents struggle to access affordable and timely dental care. The expansion of dentists in underserved areas is a positive trend, but sustained investment will be needed to close the gap further.

“The findings highlight a promising shift in American dental care access but also reinforce the importance of continued support for dental education, rural health initiatives, and state-level policies that encourage dental professionals to serve high-need areas”, says a spokesperson for MyBioSource.com.

***

You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project

Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often

Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It

The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex

..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything

—

Photo credit: iStock