Factors affecting the future need for dental manpower in Canada and Quebec.

During the past decade, dental faculties in North America have reduced class sizes due to a perceived oversupply of dentists. Several schools have been closed outright, and others have been threatened with closure. These actions may have a negative impact on the future supply of dentists. The current beliefs with regards to the oversupply of dentists have inadequately accounted for the dramatic demographic and epidemiologic changes that are occurring in North America. Major changes in population distribution and disease trends point to an increased need for adult dental services in the future. Therefore, models for dental manpower needs should integrate these data to avoid a potential shortage of dental health care personnel in the future.