The Dentist Shortage in Belgium: Why and Where
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For Bruno Gonthier, president of the Dental Medicine Society (SMD), increasing the number of dentists isn’t the solution. “if we count the number of professionals in Belgium, we see that there have never been so many dentists in Belgium.”
Understanding the Shortage: Location Matters
While Belgium overall has a sufficient number of dentists, the distribution is uneven. Bruno Gonthier acknowledges that regions outside of Brussels and Liège (on the French-speaking side) face notable challenges.
“These are often the more rural areas.” The provinces of Hainaut and Luxembourg are particularly affected.
Recent Shifts in Dentist Availability
Gonthier notes recent changes even in the province of Liège. “I’ve been living in Wanze for 33 years, and I see an evolution. After COVID, some professionals retired a little earlier than expected. Dentists who graduated at the end of the 1970s or begining of the 1980s were retiring. Though,at the time,there were many graduates.”
Changing Demographics of the Profession
A key factor contributing to the shortage is the evolving profile of dentists.”Over the last 15-20 years, there has been a feminization of our profession.”
Impact of Feminization
this shift, while positive in terms of gender diversity, has implications for practice patterns. Gonthier explains, “Women, statistically, work less time than men. They often have family responsibilities. This is not a criticism, it is indeed a reality.” This results in a reduced overall capacity within dental practices.
Preference for Urban Practices
Furthermore,newer dentists often prefer to establish practices in urban centers. “Young dentists, when they graduate, want to settle in urban centers. They want to be close to cultural activities, to nightlife, to everything that an urban center can offer.” This exacerbates the shortage in rural areas.
Looking Ahead
Addressing the dentist shortage requires a multifaceted approach. While simply increasing the number of graduates isn’t seen as the primary solution, strategies to incentivize practice in underserved areas and support dentists balancing work and family life are crucial. Further research into the evolving needs and preferences of both dentists and patients will be essential to ensure equitable access to dental care across Belgium.
Publication Date: 2025/09/14 06:55:40