Main findings
While the number of hours per year a dentist spent working was stable in 1983, the mean number of hours worked per dentist per year decreased by 2010.
There was also a decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per hour during the study period.
The observed decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per hour over the study period, along with a reduction in hours worked per dentist per year, was reflected in a decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per year.
These findings may indicate a reduction in the overall mean level of service provided per dentist, an issue that could have implications for the capacity to supply dental services.