Changes in dentist retirement, relocation, and net inflow of dentist supply in Iowa, 1997-2014: Fifth brief in a series

The number of dentists in Iowa has gradually increased over the past two decades. However, this increase has not kept pace with the national rate. As an increasing proportion of Iowa dentists approach retirement age, the supply and geographical distribution of Iowa’s dentist workforce may be adversely affected in coming years. This brief examines the flow of dentists in and out of Iowa’s dental workforce from 1997 to 2014, an 18-year period. This report focuses on voluntary retirement and relocation out of Iowa, since these are the primary means by which dentists leave the state’s workforce.