Do you have any interest in relocating to another region of the country?
The District of Columbia and 42 states have adopted "licensure by credentials," improving mobility for thousands of dentists.
The ADA Committee on the New Dentist’s 1998 Survey of New Dentists on the Impact of Student Debt surveyed graduates from the classes of 1993 through 1997 one to five years after graduation. One question asked if the respondents expected to relocate within the next 10 years. The results revealed that 15.5 percent would like to move to another state.
When JADA asked its readers in October if they have any interest in relocating to another region of the country, 45 percent said would like to move.
Here is what a few had to say:
- – "I have felt trapped in my state thinking I could never move without retesting."
- – "I can afford to retire somewhere warm only if I can have a part-time practice. With my clean record, I don’t understand why I should have to prove that I am still competent after driving 600 miles."
- – "I may not want to move now, but I should have the flexibility like people in other professions to relocate without additional testing."
- – "My husband and I are both dentists who practice in California. My family is in Pennsylvania, and we want the option to practice there if we need to move for personal reasons."
- – "After 27 years of practice and 1,200 hours of continuing education, I should be able to practice where I want to."
Forty-seven percent of readers said they would like to stay put. Several said they like where they are living.
Others agreed but added that the adoption of licensure by credentials is a good thing for younger dentists and older dentists who want to work part time. "At age 50, I probably will hang up my handpiece where I am now," said one. "But it would have made a big difference when I was younger."
Some said they think there will be a rush of dentists to states with better climates and "better-off" patients. "Dentists will move to best climates—weather and financial," said one respondent.
Eight percent of respondents said they "do not know." Several said they like that the option to do so is available to them. "I may move at some point," said one, "and licensure by credentials will facilitate the move."
"As retirement approaches, it would be nice to be able to move and perhaps practice part-time in a clinic to be helpful," said another reader.
Some said they see this being good for others. "This will give thousands of dentists the freedom to live and work in their preferred region," said a reader. "The dentists will not be feeling imprisoned in one particular state. Great news!"
