Racial/ethnic variations of practicing dentists.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the dental school population has changed from being predominantly white male to a more diverse racial and ethnic makeup. Noting this change in the student population, the American Dental Association undertook an in-depth study of the various racial/ethnic groups.

METHODS

Questionnaires were sent to approximately 8,000 dentists nationwide. Samples were drawn for each of the following racial/ethnic groupings: white, black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian. The survey instrument asked questions about personal characteristics, work and private practice issues, household and practice income, and patient characteristics; it also asked for dentists' opinions. A final adjusted response rate of 57.0 percent was achieved.

RESULTS

The majority of all dentists responded that they were "very satisfied" with their profession, but the survey found variations in patient mix, employment history and provision of free or discounted care.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey examined dentists by race/ethnicity to identify differences and similarities. Cultural and ethnic minorities are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. As the profession becomes more diverse, practice patterns will affect the overall dental profession.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Dentists' racial/ethnic backgrounds may change the provision of care as patient mix varies, with each dentist group treating a specific group of patients in regard to family income, racial/ethnic background and subgroups for whom they offer free or reduced-rate dental care.