Changing number and distribution of orthodontists: 1987-1995.

A review of the 1995 and earlier American Dental Association studies on the distribution of dentists provides specific information in the evolving numbers of orthodontists at the national, regional, and state levels. During the 1990s, the number of orthodontists decreased at the national level and in 22 states, whereas the number of orthodontists per population of youngsters decreased in 41 states. Previous projections on the potential decreasing ratio of orthodontists-to-population appear to be borne out.