There are currently an estimated 132,800 dentists in the United States. The dentist job market is expected to grow by 19.4% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are dentists?

CareerExplorer rates dentists with a B employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 26,400 dentists. That number is based on 25,700 additional dentists, and the retirement of 700 existing dentists.

Are dentists in demand?

The number of both dental school applicants and graduates has increased in recent years. Typically, the demand for dentists follows the overall business cycle, since dental services are often paid for by either the patient or by private insurance companies. It is predicted that the demand for dental services will increase as the population ages, cosmetic dental services become increasingly popular, and access to health insurance continues to grow. Employment prospects will be especially good for dentists who are willing to work in areas where patients need dental care but have little access to it.

What’s the supply of dentists?

The dentist industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Dentist job market by state

State Name Employed Dentists
California 17,130
Texas 8,350
New York 8,340
Florida 6,590
Illinois 4,630
Michigan 4,060
New Jersey 3,880
Pennsylvania 3,780
Massachusetts 3,330
North Carolina 3,230
Ohio 3,210
Virginia 2,980
Georgia 2,780
Arizona 2,620
Maryland 2,560
Washington 2,320
Wisconsin 2,040
Colorado 1,930
Indiana 1,710
Minnesota 1,620
Oregon 1,600
Missouri 1,510
South Carolina 1,410
Tennessee 1,390
Utah 1,260
Connecticut 1,200
Nevada 1,170
Oklahoma 1,130
Iowa 1,100
Kansas 1,090
Alabama 1,010
Kentucky 960
Louisiana 750
Arkansas 750
New Mexico 710
Hawaii 700
Nebraska 660
Mississippi 640
New Hampshire 510
Maine 500
West Virginia 490
Montana 460
Delaware 380
Idaho 310
District of Columbia 290
South Dakota 270
Wyoming 240
Rhode Island 230
North Dakota 200
Alaska 200
Vermont 170
Puerto Rico 160