The oral health workforce for children includes general and pediatric dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistances and educators in general and pediatric dental schools. Currently there are approximately 150,000 practicing dentists and a mere 3,500 (2-3%) pediatric dentists. In addition to dentists there are roughly 100,000 dental hygienists and 200,000 dental assistants. Although there is currently no shortage of general dentists or hygienists, there is a significant geographic maldistribution of dental professionals. The highest concentration of dentists is found in higher income Mid-Atlantic and Pacific regions, leaving part of the less wealthy Southern region (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee) with the greatest need for oral health professionals. National efforts to improve the geographic distribution of providers have brought little change in the past 15 years. Other issues influencing the strength of the dental workforce include the lack of diversity among dentists and dental students, declining faculty and dental schools, and emerging strategies for expanding the role dental hygienists or other dental professionals.