Dental manpower: a transitional matrix analysis of study.

The projected supply of dentists in Australia up to 1991 was analysed using a transitional matrix model. The analysis illustrated the importance of selection of baseline data on the stock of dentists and the sensitivity of the projections of supply to assumptions on recruitment of Australian graduates and to migration of foreign dentists into Australia. The analysis also provided data on the changing age distribution of Australian dentists and the rates of wastage from the dental manpower stock. Directions for further development of a transitional matrix model for the study of dental manpower are discussed.