Addressing the dental practitioner shortage in the Commonwealth:
The role of the dental schools and the role of the dental practitioner
Elizabeth Ketterlinus Vice Dean Marketing & Communications ekett @ upenn. edu
Mark S Wolff, DDS, PhD Professor and Morton Amsterdam Dean dean @ dental. upenn. edu
School of Dental Medicine University of Pennsylvania 240 S 40th St Philadelphia, PA 19104
ABSTRACT
This article examines the shortage of dental practitioners in the Commonwealth, focusing on the roles played by dental schools and practitioners. Despite having four dental schools graduating a total of 450 dentists annually, Pennsylvania faces a significant workforce gap. This shortage is exacerbated by the large number of dentists nearing retirement and significant existing Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas. Rising tuition and escalating student debt deter new entrants, while local PA residents are less likely to apply and be accepted into dental programs compared to other states. The article analyzes trends in dental education, applicant demographics, and the importance of encouraging youth to pursue dentistry to address future healthcare needs.
22 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL