Selecting a practice location: factors that periodontists may consider.
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.
Department of General Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, SUNY at Stony Brook, NY 11794-8706, USA.
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Waldman
D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003710:Demography; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005006:Ethnicity; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D010517:Periodontics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce