Geospatial distribution of periodontists and US adults with severe periodontitis

Background. In this study, the authors report on the geospatial distributions of periodontists and adults with severe periodontitis in the United States. Methods. The authors used geospatial analysis to describe the distribution of periodontists and adults, periodontists vis-a-vis estimated density of adults with severe periodontitis, and their ratios to adults with severe periodontitis. The authors identified locations of 5,415 practicing periodontists through the 2014 National Provider Identifier Registry, linked them with the weighted census number of adults, and estimated the number of adults within a series of circular distance zones. Results. Approximately 60% of adults 30 through 79 years lived within 5 miles of a periodontist, 73% within 10 miles, 85% within 20 miles, and 97% within 50 miles. Proximity to a periodontist varied widely. In urban areas, 95% of adults resided within 10 miles of a periodontist and 100% within 20 miles. Only 24% of adults in rural areas lived within 10 miles of a periodontist. Most periodontists (96.1%) practiced in urban areas, clustering along the eastern and western coasts and in the Midwest, 3.1% in urban clusters elsewhere, and 0.8% in rural areas. Ratios of fewer than 8,000 adults with periodontitis to 1 or more periodontists within 10 miles were clustered mostly in the Northeast, central East Coast, Florida, West Coast, Arizona, and Midwest. Conclusions. In this study, the authors identified wide variations in geographic proximity to a practicing periodontist for adults with severe periodontitis. Practical Implications. Dental practitioners may provide preventive care and counseling for periodontitis and referrals for specialty care. Geographic proximity to specialized periodontal care may vary widely by locality.