Is It Hard To Find A Dentist In Sacramento County?

By Roxy Albright


If you think it is difficult to find a good dentist in Sacramento County, you might not have room to be complaining. A report released in June 2009 from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has shone the light on the circumstances surrounding dentists in California. The numbers from the study has shown that it is not the easiest to find a dentist in Sacramento County, but it is easier than a few other counties that have fewer dentists per person. We will talk about various statistics and what they reveal about the ability of residents to find a good Sacramento cosmetic dentist or other dentist.

First, we will discuss some statistics regarding dentistry and population in California's counties. Second, we will talk about Sacramento in particular, and what statistics can tell us about finding the right dentist in Sacramento. Finally, we will talk about what services dentists typically can offer Sacramento citizens.

To put it simply, dentists are less available in some parts of California compared to others. It would be great if California's estimated 26,465 actively practicing dentists were evenly spread out so that every part of the population had equal access, but that is just not the case. More rural areas tend to have fewer dentists per 5,000 people, but they also tend not to have any "Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas" (DHPSAs). For example, while there are only 1.4 active dentists per 5,000 Colusa county residents, the county has zero DHPSAs. Los Angeles County on the other hand has 3.3 active dentists per 5,000 residents and 37 DHPSAs.

Finding a quality dentist in Sacramento County is probably more likely in a few areas of the county than it is in others. Sacramento County has three areas designated as DHPSAs. The county and the statewide average are equal, though, for number of dentists at about 3.5 for every 5,000 residents. Sacramento County is equal to all of California in the percentage of active dentists who are in their first five years of practice as well (at 15 percent). Some counties have more new dentists; San Bernardino County has 22 percent in their first five years. Unless you happen to live in one of Sacramento County's three DHPSAs, you likely have good access to a decent dentist among the county's nearly 1000 actively practicing dentists.

Getting a good dentist in Sacramento County likely depends on what you need or want from them. There are dentists of all kinds. Some focus on areas like orthodontics, family dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry. A Sacramento cosmetic dentist, for example, would focus more on services like teeth whitening, veneers, or others. Study up on local dentists before you make a decision.

No matter if you are looking for a Sacramento cosmetic dentist or some other type, you likely will have an easier time getting an appointment with a dentist in Sacramento County than people have in other California counties.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment