Q&A: The Quality and Scope of Dentistry in the USA
An Interview with Dr. Venkata Ratna Kumar Rudravaram
Dr. Venkata Ratna Kumar Rudravaram is an internationally trained dentist specializing in advanced general dentistry. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, the first dental school in the world; He serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and practices as an associate dentist at Rewards Dental in Lakewood, Washington. He is the recipient of the prestigious Harry W.F. Dressel Award for excellence in general dentistry and total patient care, making him the only dentist from South India to receive this honor.
Where are you originally from, and what inspired your journey into dentistry?
I'm from Porumamilla in Kadapa District,AP State, India, where I graduated from the Government Dental College & Hospital at RIMS, Kadapa. My passion for healthcare and the desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through oral health drew me to this profession.
What motivated you to pursue dental education in the United States?
Three key factors drove my decision. First, the advances in dentistry available in the United States are exceptional. Second, the quality of education offered here is unparalleled. Third, I recognized that gaining international expertise would provide great resources if I wanted to return to India to start continuing education courses or work as faculty.
Tell us about your training at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry holds a unique distinction, it's the first dental school in the world, established in Baltimore, 1840. Training at this institution meant being part of a nearly two-century legacy of dental education and innovation. The comprehensive clinical experience and commitment to excellence I received there have shaped my entire approach to dentistry.
Patients often express concern about dental costs. Why is dentistry so expensive?
I believe "Dentistry is not expensive, neglect is!". The cost of dental care globally is driven by several legitimate factors. Expensive dental equipment and materials represent a significant investment. High operational costs, including infrastructure and staff training, add to the expense. Finally, the necessity of highly skilled dental professionals who undergo extensive education and continuous training contributes to overall costs.
In the United States, regular dental care, including routine exams, X-rays, cleanings, and preventive treatments, is often covered by insurance for working individuals, making services more accessible to insured patients. However, those without insurance face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs.
What is the current state of dentistry in the United States?
As of 2023, there were 60.4 dentists per 100,000 people in the United States, with 45% of the population seeking dental care annually. Despite these numbers, the country faces a growing shortage of dentists, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This shortage creates real barriers to care and affects millions of Americans who struggle to access essential dental services.
How does India's dental landscape compare?
The situation in India presents different but equally significant challenges. With a population of 1.46 billion, only 24% of adults seek dental care. The highest dental care usage occurs in Southern India at approximately 30%. Nearly 50% of the population suffers from periodontal disease, largely due to the lack of national health insurance coverage that includes regular dental checkups.
However, India offers diverse opportunities for dental professionals, including specialization, education, research, and private practice. The growing awareness of oral health creates potential for significant advancement in the field.
You're deeply involved in dental education. What drives this commitment?
Teaching is fundamental to advancing our profession. As adjunct faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, I have the privilege of shaping the next generation of dentists through hands-on training and guidance. Beyond the university setting, I founded DentNav, a free guidance platform that helps foreign-trained dentists navigate the complex U.S. dental licensing process. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of dentists while creating pathways for skilled international professionals to contribute to American healthcare.
What is your vision for the future of dentistry?
My vision centers on three pillars: improving accessibility, enhancing affordability, and advancing education in oral healthcare. We must bridge gaps that exist both geographically between underserved and well-served areas and globally between different healthcare systems. Preventive care is crucial because investing in education and prevention reduces the burden of advanced disease and costly interventions. Supporting international dental professionals creates opportunities to address workforce shortages while enriching the profession with diverse perspectives. My work aims to ensure that quality dental care reaches communities worldwide.
With active dental licenses in California, Washington, Virginia, and Andhra Pradesh (India), Dr. Rudravaram continues serving communities through clinical practice, teaching, and volunteer work with organizations including Seattle King County Clinic, Mission of Mercy, and Rural Area Medical health clinics.
Author: Wilson Choongo
