Trend in unequal geographical distribution of dentists by age and gender in Japan from 1996-2014

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between dentists' demographic changes and their uneven geographical distribution. Methods: Secondary analysis of nationwide government surveys, to assess trends in the geographical distribution of dentists by gender and age from 1996 to 2014 in Japan. Results: The Gini-coefficient for the number of dentists per population from 47 prefectures decreased from 0.084 in 1996 to 0.069 in 2014. The coefficients for female (0.124-0.144) were higher than for male dentists (0.058-0.081). Coefficients for dentists aged 60 and older were lower than those for dentists younger than 40 in 2014 (male: 0.060 vs. 0.112; female: 0.107 vs. 0.169). Conclusion: The geographical maldistribution of dentists in Japan has improved. Demographic changes among dentists, including the increasing number of female dentists, could moderate this improvement.

Keywords

Geographic locations Japan Public policy Population Dynamics Aging

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