By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Dentistry is considered in Korea to be a nice cushy job with a good income, but entry into dentistry colleges is likely to be restricted in the near future.
According to the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs by 2020, Korea may have more dentists than needed.
Research by the institute indicates that due to demand-supply structure, the number of dentists needed by 2010 and 2020 in the country was estimated at 19,130-21,579 and 22,019-24,801, respectively.
However, the actual number of dentists is expected to reach 19,802 by 2010 and 24,865 by 2020, showing that from year 2020, the supply of dentists will outnumber demand.
The research team by Shin Ho-sung and Hong Soo-yeon produced the data by factoring in the number obtaining dentists' licenses with those who retire, as well as those who enter dental college each year.
The team suggested that by 2015, the number of supply and demand for dental care will balance out, but from 2020, the number of dentists will increase, generating competition.
``Therefore we recommend universities reduce the number of students enrolling in the dentistry department within five years to balance numbers out,'' Shin said.