Revealed: The U.S. States with the Most and Fewest Dentists

Humble, Texas Mar 26, 2025 (EMWNews.com) – Access to dental care is a vital aspect of overall health, yet a new analysis reveals significant disparities in the availability of dentists across the United States. A recent study by Humble Memorial Dental Group ranks the top 10 states with the highest and lowest number of dentists per capita, shedding light on critical gaps in oral health services.

This study, based on the latest data from LinkedIn, highlights the number of dentists per 100,000 residents in all 50 states.

The findings reveal a wide disparity in dentist availability, underscoring the urgent need for policy interventions to improve access in underserved regions.

Key Findings

• Wide Disparity in Dentist Availability: States like Alaska and Massachusetts lead with the highest number of dentists per capita, while states such as Georgia and Iowa report alarmingly low numbers.

• Regional Trends: Northeastern and Western states dominate the top rankings, whereas Southern and Midwestern states are disproportionately affected by low dentist availability.

• Policy Implications: Targeted efforts to address dentist shortages in underserved areas are critical to achieving equitable healthcare access nationwide.

Top 10 States with the Highest Dentists per Capita

• Alaska (59.35 dentists per 100,000 residents)

• 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 dentists per 100,000 residents)

• 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

The disparities in dental care access raise significant concerns about the overall state of healthcare in the United States. While states like Alaska benefit from robust healthcare infrastructures, many others–such as Georgia and Iowa–face severe challenges due to limited resources and geographic barriers.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies, including incentivizing dental professionals to work in underserved areas and investing in community health infrastructure,” said [Your Name/Expert]. “Only by addressing these disparities can we ensure equitable access to dental care for all Americans.”

For additional insights and detailed rankings, see the full report here