Most dentists in the U.S. are White, though the profession is becoming more diverse, with significant increases in Asian and Hispanic/Latino dentists, while Black dentists remain underrepresented compared to the general population. As of recent data (around 2021-2024), White dentists make up roughly 67-70%, Asian dentists about 20%, and Hispanic/Latino dentists around 6%, with smaller percentages for other groups.
Source: The U.S. Dentist Workforce (PDF); Supply of Dentists in the U.S.: 2001-2024 (XLSX). As of 2024, 67.0% of U.S. dentists are White, 20.4% are Asian, 6.1% are Hispanic, 3.9% are Black, and 2.6% are other race or unknown.
The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in dentistry means 80% of results come from 20% of efforts, applying to patient outcomes (daily habits vs. treatments) and practice management (top patients generating most revenue). For patients, it means daily brushing/flossing are key; for practices, focusing on high-value, consistent patients drives profits, though some argue neglecting other patients can harm growth, suggesting all patients need excellent care.
In addition to being ranked fourth on the DMFT index, Sweden stands out for also having the whitest and straightest teeth in the world.
The 50-40-30 rule in dentistry refers to the ideal proportions for the interproximal contact areas (IPCA) between front teeth (maxillary incisors) for a natural, aesthetic smile: 50% contact between the two central incisors, 40% between the central and lateral incisor, and 30% between the lateral incisor and canine, creating a soft, youthful look and preventing dark "black triangles". This guideline helps cosmetic dentists design veneers, crowns, or smile makeovers to achieve balance and harmony in the front teeth.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
An acronym (Same Lingual Opposite Buccal) describing a parallax radiographic technique used to identify the position of ectopic teeth (usually maxillary canines). It compares the object movement with the x-ray tube head movement.
Miley Cyrus
As a young performer, Miley Cyrus had slightly uneven and gapped teeth. As her image evolved, she opted for porcelain veneers to enhance the symmetry and whiteness of her smile. Her transformation contributed to a more polished, media-ready appearance that reflects her star power.
Around 72% of Gen Z report that they compare their smiles to others on social media with 45% saying social media harms their confidence in their smile. The same source of these insecurities is often looked to for solutions.
Actual root length (mm) and relative root length were measured on periapical radiographs, for the maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors, and second premolars. The results showed that Asians had the shortest dental root lengths for all teeth measured, except the maxillary second premolar.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
The golden ratio is about 1.6 to 1, a proportion that shows up in nature, paintings, and even human faces. In dentistry, it's applied to the size of your teeth. The idea is simple: each tooth should be in proportion to the one next to it. Your two front teeth (central incisors) should be the widest.
In some cases, gaps in teeth can appear with ageing. It is also observed that some diastema is more common in the black ethnic community than in the white one. Hence, demographic factors like age, sex and location can lead to diastema.
The "Rule of 7" in dentistry is a pediatric guideline: children should have their first dental visit by age 1, but a key milestone is the first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, when permanent teeth start coming in, to catch bite issues early. It also marks when the first permanent molars typically emerge and signals the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, emphasizing early intervention for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives generally have the poorest oral health of any of the racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
People like teeth that are even and well-sized. Research shows that straight teeth make you look more attractive.
Proverbs 15:30 also says, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health” So, then, a smile is a mighty powerful thing. It improves your looks; it makes you healthier, and it helps those around you. A smile is what your face does when your heart is glad.
The rarest smile type is the complex smile, with only an estimated 2% of the population possessing this smile.
Jennifer Aniston- tooth
To have higher self-esteem, she also invested in cosmetic dental work (Industry insiders believe she received porcelain veneers or crowns). The artist admits she also invests in preventative dentistry to help create and maintain oral health.
WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Singer and actress Miley Cyrus says a rare voice disorder called Reinke's edema is behind her famous raspy voice — and also makes singing live very hard.
Dentists may not recommend veneers due to the irreversible removal of tooth enamel, high cost, potential for tooth sensitivity, and risk of chipping or damage, especially with habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), requiring lifelong maintenance and addressing underlying issues like decay or severe misalignment first, making them unsuitable for some individuals.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
The golden rule for oral hygiene encompasses a consistent and comprehensive approach to dental care. You can ensure a healthy and beautiful smile by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, using mouthwash, maintaining a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, avoiding tobacco, and visiting your dentist regularly.