Pediatric Dentist Shortage Persists in States with Poor Child Oral Health
A new report from Becker’s Dental Review highlights a concerning imbalance in pediatric dental care across the United States. The data reveals that several states ranked among the worst for children’s oral health also have a relatively low number of pediatric dentists — a shortage that could deepen disparities in access to care and preventive services.
Pediatric Dentist Counts in the Lowest-Ranking States for Oral Health
| State | Number of Pediatric Dentists |
| New Jersey | 427 |
| Oklahoma | 72 |
| Nevada | 97 |
| Utah | 127 |
| Louisiana | 94 |
While New Jersey has the highest number of pediatric dentists on the list, it still ranks poorly overall in children’s oral health outcomes. Meanwhile, states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana report alarmingly low specialist counts, limiting access to timely and specialized dental care for children who may already face socioeconomic barriers.
A Growing Access Gap for Children
The report builds on findings from WalletHub and Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) data, which measure oral health outcomes, preventive care visits, and access to providers. States with the fewest pediatric dentists tend to have higher rates of untreated cavities, fewer preventive checkups, and broader public health challenges.
Experts suggest that the issue is not only about numbers but also distribution. Many pediatric dentists are clustered in urban centers, leaving rural and lower-income communities underserved. Children in these areas often travel long distances or wait months for an appointment, leading to worsening oral health and preventable pain or infections.
Addressing the Shortage
To close this gap, researchers and policymakers recommend targeted investments in workforce distribution — including financial incentives for dentists to practice in rural or high-need regions, expanded dental residency programs, and increased funding for community oral health initiatives.
Strengthening preventive education for families and schools is also key. Encouraging early dental visits and reinforcing the role of pediatric dentists as primary caregivers for children’s oral health could make a significant difference in reducing disparities nationwide.
The Bigger Picture
This data underscores an important reality: having enough dentists in a state does not guarantee access for every child. Without equitable distribution and focused policy support, thousands of children will continue to face unnecessary barriers to care — even in states with growing dental industries.
Original Article
Number of Pediatric Dentists in the Worst States for Children’s Oral Health
Published by Becker’s Dental Review, October 2025