The aim of this brief is to examine hours worked by Iowa dentists in relation to their sex, age, practice activity, and practice location. The results show an increasing trend in dentists working part-time since 2008 and, among those working full-time, a decrease in those working 40 hours or more per week.
This increase in dentists working part-time also impacts the hours worked by allied dental professionals, such as dental hygienists and dental assistants. Fewer dentists working full time, combined with a large proportion of dentists nearing retirement may impact the capacity of Iowa’s dentist workforce to ensure access to care for Iowa’s residents.