Changes in practice settings of Iowa dentists, 1997-2013: Third brief in a series

The aim of this issue brief is to examine changes in the practice settings of Iowa’s dentist workforce from 1997-2013 and to make comparisons with nationwide trends. From 1997-2013, there was a marked increase in the proportion of Iowa private practice dentists who worked in a group practice (41% to 52%) and a decrease in number of dentists in solo practice (59% to 43%). A small proportion (6%) worked in corporate practice from 2011-2013. This increasing trend in group practice is seen nationally as well. Younger dentists are more likely to practice in a group setting than in previous generations.