Socioeconomic health and the scope of dental practice

Abstract

Objectives: This study was an increase and decrease of the dental scope of practice during times of peace, relating to the poverty rate, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and during times of public health emergency (SARS-COV-2 [COVID-19]). Dominant prior research suggests that a correlation is seen between the expansion of the dental scope of practice relating to natural disasters and public health emergencies. Materials and Methods: No evident prior data were found relating the scope of practice in relation to poverty rate and GDP growth. Analytical methods used include the composition of data with regard to biases or outliers present with statistical errors. Results: Major findings of the study suggest that dental scope of practice is increased as the poverty rate climbs higher in the United States. Findings also suggest the prime expansion of dentistry in states that have experienced substantial GDP growth in the past 5 years. Data also show that states with a larger urbanization index have better overall oral health. Conclusion: The agreement between the research shows and suggests that the practice of dentistry is expanded at times when Dentists are needed for their expertise and skills.