Oral Healthcare Workforce Trends: A Survey Analysis

This study examines the employment landscape in oral healthcare, focusing on skill gaps and workforce needs amid rising global demands for preventive care and technological advancements. A mixed-methods survey (2021–2023) analyzed responses from 200 dental graduates and 50 employers across urban/rural regions. Results identified a 35% mismatch between graduate competencies (e.g., limited proficiency in digital tools like intraoral scanners [3Shape A/S, Denmark]) and employer priorities, alongside a 40% surge in demand for preventive care roles and persistent rural vacancies (20%). The findings highlight critical gaps in education-practice alignment, urging curriculum updates in digital dentistry and geriatric care. Policy interventions, such as rural practice incentives and standardized certifications, are essential to address inequities. Collaboration between academia and industry is vital to meet future workforce challenges.