Future of Regional Health Care in Germany: Where Do Young Dentists Want to Work?

Study Aim In the context of a shortfall in medical care, the question arises whether a similar trend in dental care may be anticipated. This study analyses preferred working regions and future town-country distribution of young dentists in Germany. Methods This online-survey was conducted in spring 2017. It is the second wave of the longitudinal nationwide study "Y-dent: Professional identity of future and young dentists". Study end points were (1) favoured permanent working region of young dentists, (2) favoured future working city size, and (3) correlation between the region of origin and the favoured working region. Results 625 (51.2% of contacted) young dentists participated in this study. Dental chambers and associations of health insurance dentists in southern and western Germany were the most favoured future working regions. Regions in eastern Germany as well as smaller regions were chosen less often (<10%). For approximately half of the participants, medium-sized cities were an option, and some young dentists were ready to work in smaller cities. Depending on the federal state, 57-95% of young dentists entertained the idea of working in their region of origin. Conclusion Based on young dentists' statements on their favoured future working region, it can be concluded that there is no risk of a shortfall in dental care comparable to the shortfall in medical care. A proportion of young dentists is willing to work in thinly populated or rural areas.