How Many Dentists Are in Los Angeles? Your Friendly, Comprehensive Guide to LA’s Dental Workforce
If you’ve ever tried looking for a dentist in Los Angeles, or just wondered, “Are there enough dentists here?”—you’re not alone. Maybe you’re thinking about moving here, want to be a dentist, or are just curious about how LA compares with other big cities. Knowing how many dentists are in Los Angeles helps you make choices about your health, and sometimes your wallet too.
Well, take a seat and relax. We’ll break it all down—how many dentists there are in Los Angeles County, where they are, and what this means for you.
In This Article
- Snapshot: How Many Dentists Are in Los Angeles?
- The Fine Print: Dentist-to-Population Ratios and What They Mean
- Who, Where, What: Distribution and Dental Specialties in LA
- Why So Many (or So Few) Dentists in LA?
- Dentistry’s Future in Los Angeles: Trends and Technology
- How to Find a Dentist in LA—And What to Look For
- Frequently Asked Questions
Snapshot: How Many Dentists Are in Los Angeles?
Let’s not waste time, here’s what you want to know.
As of 2024, Los Angeles County has about 12,500 to 13,500 licensed dentists.
That means there are more than twelve thousand professionals working to keep LA smiling.
Where does this number come from? It’s from the California Dental Board and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). These numbers count dentists who are really working, not just those who could work.
Quick Facts:
- Total Dentists (LA County): ~12,500–13,500
- Population (LA County): just under 10 million
- Dentist-to-Population Ratio: about 1 dentist for every 750–800 people
- Dental Practices: ~4,000–5,000
- General Dentists vs. Specialists: About 70–75% are general dentists; the rest are specialists like orthodontists, kids’ dentists, oral surgeons, and others.
All these numbers might make your head spin, but what do they really mean? Keep reading and we’ll show you.
The Fine Print: Dentist-to-Population Ratios and What They Mean
Imagine living in a place where finding coffee is easier than finding a dentist. How do you know if LA has “enough” dentists?
One way is to look at the dentist-to-population ratio. In LA, this number is about 1:750–800. For comparison, California as a whole is closer to 1:1,500, and some rural areas are even higher.
Try to picture it: One dentist for every 750 people. Of course, dentists tend to work where people are, but you get the idea.
Why does this ratio matter?
- Easier to get an appointment: More dentists means shorter waits.
- More choices: You can pick a dentist you like.
- More competition: Dentists try harder for your business, which can mean better service and new tools.
- Sometimes too many in one spot: In fancy neighborhoods, there might be so many dentists that it’s hard for them to find enough patients.
But a high number doesn’t mean everyone has easy access. Let’s talk about how dentists are spread out in LA.
Who, Where, What: Distribution and Dental Specialties in LA
Look at LA on a map and you’ll see all kinds of neighborhoods—rich and poor, busy and quiet. Dentists usually open offices where people can pay for care or have insurance.
Dentists in LA: Where Are They?
Where do most dentists work in LA County?
- Lots of Dentists: On the Westside (like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica), Pasadena, and near the dental schools (USC and UCLA).
- Not as many Dentists: Parts of downtown, some areas of San Fernando Valley, and neighborhoods with less money (called Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas or HPSAs).
Why aren’t dentists spread evenly? It’s mostly about money and lifestyle. Dentists want to work where they have patients who can pay, just like anyone with a business. Some big parts of the county still don’t have enough dentists. Public programs are trying to help, but it takes time.
General Dentists vs. Specialists
Of all the dentists in LA County:
- General Dentists: 70–75%
- Specialists: 25–30%. Types include:
- Orthodontists: ~7% (Braces and jaw fixes)
- Oral Surgeons: ~4% (Surgery, pulling teeth, implants)
- Pediatric Dentists: ~3% (Dentists for kids)
- Periodontists: ~3% (Gum and bone health)
- Endodontists: ~2% (Root canal experts)
- Others: Like dentists for making dentures or public health
So, whatever your dental problem is—from cleanings to a brand new smile—there’s someone in LA for you.
Why So Many (or So Few) Dentists in LA?
Wondering why LA has so many dentists—and growing? Let’s look at a few reasons.
1. Two Big Dental Schools
Los Angeles has two top dental schools:
- UCLA School of Dentistry
- USC (Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry)
These schools train about 200–250 new dentists each year. Many of them stay here—they like the city or have family here.
2. Licensing and Rules
The Dental Board of California watches over dentists and wants them to have the right training. It’s not the easiest state to become a dentist, but it means you’ll get good care.
By the way: If you’re a dentist moving in from another state or country, it’s not always easy to get a new license in California. Plus, LA isn’t cheap to live in.
3. LA’s People
LA is huge and always changing. Older neighborhoods mean more people needing things like crowns. Younger people might need braces or cosmetic dentistry.
4. Cost of Doing Business
Opening a dental office costs a lot here. That’s why more dentists are teaming up in group practices or sharing office space. Group practices are a big trend now, changing how care is given across LA.
Interested in how dental labs work with local dentists? Check out a modern digital dental lab. These labs help dentists with things like crowns and dentures.
Dentistry’s Future in Los Angeles: Trends and Technology
What’s ahead for LA’s dentists? Let’s peek at what’s coming.
More Dentists, New Challenges
LA keeps getting more dentists. But, the workforce is also getting older—the average LA dentist is about 50 years old. Many will retire in 10–15 years.
Student Loans and New Dentists
Dental school is expensive. Young dentists often owe a lot of money, so many join group practices where it’s easier to start work and share costs.
Teledentistry and High-Tech Dentistry
Online visits, digital scans, and smart computers are changing dental care. For tricky cases, LA dentists often work with tech-savvy partners—like a crown and bridge lab—for quicker and better results.
LA’s Diversity
Dentists in LA are working to meet the needs of many cultures and languages. That means more bilingual offices, broader insurance coverage, and special programs to reach more people.
Public Health
Public clinics and school programs are opening in areas that need more dentists. For people without insurance, these clinics can make a big difference.
How to Find a Dentist in LA—And What to Look For
Even with thousands of dentists, it’s not always easy to pick one. Where do you start?
Ask yourself:
- Do I need regular care or something special?
- Is location near home, work, or school important?
- Does my insurance cover this dentist?
- Do I need a dentist who speaks a certain language or has special services?
Where to Look
Try these:
- California Dental Association (CDA) Directory
- American Dental Association (ADA) “Find-a-Dentist” tool
- Community clinics if you need a sliding-scale fee or have public insurance
- Online reviews but remember—not all reviews are fair
Curious about the labs dentists use? Some work with a china dental lab to make your crowns and bridges.
What Makes a Good Dentist
- Talks clearly and answers questions
- Shows prices and helps with insurance
- Clean, modern office
- Friendly, gentle team
- Easy to get to, and good hours
You can also check their training, ask about their courses, or just meet them for a visit.
If you want to know how dental care works for regular people, see our practical guide for easy tips and stories.
Your Healthy Takeaway: Key Facts and Action Steps
Let’s sum up:
- LA County has about 12,500–13,500 dentists, with one dentist for every 750–800 people—better than state and national averages.
- Dentists aren’t everywhere the same—fancier areas have more; other areas don’t have enough.
- 70–75% of dentists are general dentists; the rest are specialists.
- USC and UCLA dental schools keep bringing in new dentists.
- Dental care is easy to find for most, but some areas still need help; clinics and health centers try to fill in.
- Trends: More technology, more virtual visits, team practices, and care for LA’s many groups.
What should you do?
- Need a dentist? Use the directory, ask friends, think about what you want, and don’t be shy about meeting dentists first.
- Moving here? LA has one of the best dental networks in the U.S.
- Want to know about treatments? Talk to your dentist about everything from check-ups to new crowns. Many dentists work with top labs, like a dental ceramics lab, for great results.
Most important: Don’t skip check-ups! Preventive care is the cheapest way to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many dental schools are in Los Angeles?
A: Two—USC and UCLA—each graduating about 100–125 new dentists each year.
Q: Is there a dentist shortage in LA?
A: Most of LA doesn’t have a shortage. The dentist-to-person ratio is high. But some low-income neighborhoods still need more dentists.
Q: How many patients does each LA dentist have?
A: On average, each dentist covers about 750–800 people. But it depends on where they work and what they do.
Q: How many dental offices are in Los Angeles?
A: There are about 4,000–5,000 dental offices in LA County.
Q: What type of dentist is most common in LA?
A: General dentists (about 70–75%). The rest are specialists like orthodontists, oral surgeons, or kids’ dentists.
Empower Yourself—And Your Smile
Finding a dentist in Los Angeles isn’t just about numbers. It’s about meeting a caring professional who understands you. The big number of dentists means you have lots of choices—for check-ups, making your smile brighter, or handling bigger problems.
The best thing for your smile?
- Get those regular check-ups.
- Ask questions at your appointments.
- Don’t wait for little problems to grow.
- Use public resources if you don’t have insurance.
Remember, your mouth matters to your whole health. LA’s many dentists, clinics, and dental labs mean help is always nearby.
Now, go show off that healthy smile!
