What country has the least dentists?

Global Disparities in Oral Healthcare Availability

Access to routine dental care varies dramatically around the world, reflecting broader economic and structural differences in healthcare systems. Based on 2019 data examining practitioner availability across two dozen nations, the average density stood at approximately 0.71 dentists per 1,000 people. However, this national benchmark masks severe regional contrasts at both ends of the spectrum.

Leading the rankings, Lithuania recorded the highest practitioner density in the group, offering 1.05 dentists per 1,000 residents. Strong medical education frameworks and high healthcare investment in Northern and Eastern Europe contribute to this steady supply of professionals, making preventative oral care widely accessible to the general population.

In contrast, Mexico registered the lowest proportion among the surveyed countries, with a stark 0.13 dentists per 1,000 people. While major urban hubs and border cities in Mexico feature thriving dental tourism sectors for international visitors, domestic coverage remains unevenly distributed. Rural communities in particular suffer from severe shortages, creating significant barriers to basic oral hygiene and early health interventions for local residents.