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released: 3 Nov 2008 author: AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit

This research report provides information on the practice activity of dentists in Australia in relation to their geographic location. Data are presented on dentist age, type of practice, time worked per year, number of patient visits supplied, waiting time for an appointment, and perceived practice busyness by geographic location (classified as major city or regional/remote). This information is provided for dentists in private general practice from 2003-04.

ISSN 1445-775X; Cat. no. DEN 187; 4pp.; INTERNET ONLY

Summary

  • The age distribution of dentists varied by geographic location. A higher percentage of dentists aged 30–39 years were at major city locations (27.0%) com regional/remote locations (14.8%).
  • A lower percentage of dentists in solo practice with no other dentists were at major city locations (40.8%) comp regional/remote locations (49.0%).
  • Hours per year devoted to work were similar for dentists at major city locations (1,725 hours per year) compared to regional/remote locations (1,640 hours per year).
  • The number of patient visits supplied was lower for dentists at major city locations (2,495 visits per year) compared to regional/remote locations (2,756 visits per year).
  • Waiting time for an appointment for a dental visit was lower for dentists at major city locations (1.6 weeks) compared regional/remote locations (3.9 weeks).
  • A lower percentage of dentists at major city locations (17.0%) perceived themselves to be busier than they would prefer to be compared to dentists at regional/remote locations (33.7%).

Recommended citation

AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2008. Dental practice activity by geographic location. DSRU research report no. 40. Cat. no. DEN 187. Canberra: AIHW.