Dentistry in the U.S. Prevails Amidst Economic Turmoil

Dentistry in the U.S. Prevails Amidst Economic Turmoil

One may assume that in times of economic recession, dentists are ones to feel neglected as people count pennies to survive. Americans, however, seem to prioritize their pearly white teeth despite how low the Dow Jones may dip. Dentistry in the United States has not suffered in comparison to other industries.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the dental industry to advance: "Employment is projected to grow faster than the average. Job prospects should be good, reflecting the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire." In fact, the BLS predicts employment for dentists to grow by 16% through 2018. This is much faster than the average of other occupations that similarly require additional schooling.

In 2009, there were 5,010 dentists in the United States registered with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their mean hourly and annual wages were $73.83 and $153,570 respectfully. In 2008, the mean annual wage of dentists was $142,870. Remember that overall unemployment rose in 2009 as America experienced the worst economic levels since the Great Depression. Meanwhile, the wages for dentists increased. Dentists in the U.S. prove to do alright amidst national economic turmoil.

Furthermore, "The demand for dental services is expected to continue to increase," reports the BLS.

One influential factor is that more dentists in the U.S. seem to be retiring or working fewer hours than the number of dentists graduating from dental school. Consequently, the demand for dentists rises while the supply decreases.

Another factor assisting the dental industry in the U.S. may be that during times of recession, people tend to eat less healthy. Eating bad food is bad for your teeth- but great for dentists.

Take a look at common population trends: The elderly population is growing while simultaneously living longer. The life expectancy of Americans in 2010 is 78.3 according to the national census (76.7 for men / 80.8 for women). It's a common fact that one's teeth become less attractive as one ages. And with the emphasis Americans place on their teeth, dentists will remain busy.

More specifically, look at the baby-boom generation: baby boomers grew up smoking and drinking coca cola. They're teeth were fine throughout their twenties but by the time they reached their thirties, things were not so pretty. In their forties they, as well as their toddlers, had routine dental checkups now that they could afford it. They're the ones who shaped the demand for advancements in cosmetic dentistry. These baby boomers are the ones undergoing the more expensive cosmetic dental treatments to correct for the years of smoking that appear on their teeth today. They instilled the values of dental hygiene into their children, who look at Julia Roberts' breathtaking smile and add pressure to this ever-growing emphasis on sparkling white teeth.

Dentistry in the U.S. has expanded enormously as technological advances have vastly improved oral hygiene and the ability to preserve healthy teeth. In the U.S. dentists offer an array of services ranging from teeth whitening (one of the most popular dental treatment), to braces to full tooth extraction.

Perhaps dentists in the U.S. should be thanking Marlboro Man and the baby boomers for assisting in the success of their industry in today's dour economy.

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