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Selecting a Practice Location: Factors That Periodontists May Consider
Author(s) -
Waldman H. Barry
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1999.70.1.95
Subject(s) - periodontist , ranking (information retrieval) , population , per capita , medicine , per capita income , demography , computer science , dentistry , environmental health , pathology , machine learning , sociology
Background: The decision to locate a periodontal practice is based upon a complex series of interrelated variables. An understanding of this process is essential if planning for the distribution of periodontists is to be considered.Methods: Non‐parametric statistical tests were used to determine the relationships between the rankings of states by periodontist‐to‐population ratios and 1) the availability of a periodontal training program, and 2) selected population demographic characteristics.Results: A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the ranking of states by periodontist‐to‐population ratios and 1) the availability of a periodontal training program; 2) per capita income; 3) per capita spending for health services; 4) availability of health insurance; and 5) the percentage of the population that is African‐American, Hispanic, and Asian‐American.Conclusions: This study provides a broad analysis of some of the factors in the practice location decision process. Further analysis at the local level (and for individual practitioners) is needed to better understand the decision process in the selection of a practice site. J Periodontol 1999; 70: 95‐99.