Variation and distribution of periodontists: 1982-1991.

A review of the past three ADA studies on the distribution of dentists provides specific information on the evolving numbers of periodontists at the national, regional, and state levels. Findings include: 1) a gradual increase in the ratio of periodontist-to-population; 2) 30% of periodontists were less than age 40 (more than almost all other specialties); and 3) an increasing percent of senior dental students anticipate applying to periodontal programs. Although government agency and dental profession association projections are available regarding major future decreases in the overall number of dentists, limited information is available for future periodontist manpower determinations.