Geographic distribution of affordable dental care services through educational institutes in India: A national level GIS-based mapping study.

INTRODUCTION

Access to affordable dental care remains a significant challenge in India, particularly for populations in rural and underserved regions. Dental colleges, through their teaching hospitals, serve as one of the key providers of low-cost dental healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate geographic disparities in the distribution of dental colleges and their postgraduate specializations across India using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with implications for equitable healthcare planning

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted from January to April 2025. Data on all recognized dental colleges and their postgraduate offerings in nine dental specialties were obtained from the Dental Council of India. Geocoding was carried out using verified official addresses. Spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS software. Additional demographic and administrative data were sourced from the Census of India and government records. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze differences across zones and ownership types.

RESULTS

A total of 329 dental colleges were mapped, with significant disparities observed across states and zones. Densely populated states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar showed a low presence of government institutions, indicating reliance on private colleges. South zone, particularly state of Karnataka, exhibited a higher concentration of institutions, largely private. Postgraduate specializations were also unevenly distributed.

CONCLUSION

This national GIS-based mapping reveals critical geographic inequities in access to affordable dental care through educational institutions. Findings highlight the need for strategic policy interventions to enhance public sector presence in underserved areas and ensure equitable oral healthcare access across India.