The number of dentists graduating each year is a crucial indicator of the oral healthcare workforce's future supply. It influences factors such as access to dental care, the cost of dental services, and the overall quality of oral health in a population.
Several factors influence the number of dentists graduating each year, including the number of dental schools, the availability of financial aid for dental students, and the job market for dentists. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that the number of dental school graduates has been relatively stable in recent years, with approximately 5,000 dentists graduating each year.