Methods. The authors used a well-known and accepted methodology in economics known as input-output analysis to measure the economic impact. These models describe—among other things—the interrelationships between businesses, government, households and the foreign sector with regard to where inputs come from and where outputs go.

Results. For 2000, national expenditures attributable to the provision of dental services were calculated at $203.6 billion. Dentistry accounted for more than two million jobs nationwide. Taxes generated directly or indirectly from dental activity totaled more than $33 billion. The annual impact of one additional dentist on the economy was estimated at $1,278,253.

Conclusions. Dentistry provides substantial local and national economic benefits, including increased economic activity, employment and tax revenues. For small counties, an additional dentist provides a significant boost to the local economy.