According to national surveys, there are about 562 dentist currently practicing in Rhode Island. These dentists work in a variety of specialties including general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery and periodontics. In Rhode Island, there is one dentist for every 1697 people in the state, fewer than the national average of one dentist for every 1,650 residents. Most of these dentists are part of the Rhode Island Dental Association and exceptionally qualified to practice dentistry in Rhode Island.