Recent trends in dental education and the supply of dentists for the South are examined to assist state policymakers and school officials. The supply of dentists has increased faster than the population over the past decade and will continue to increase through 1990; in the south the rate of growth exceeded the national rate. At the same time, the demand for dental services has declined, primarily due to a slowing in population growth, a depressed economy, and reduced dental disease for some groups. The ratios of dentists to the population vary significantly among states and within states, and shortages of dentists in inner-city and rural areas have been documented. Changes in the population and economic base of the state influence the demand for dental services. The scope and number of public dental service programs and the availability of dental insurance also affect demand. The current decline in dental school enrollments and the increase in tuition will have an adverse effect on access to dental education for minorities. Recommendations are offered concerning opportunities for minorities who want to study dentistry, educational supply and demand in dental schools, the distribution of dentists to underserved areas, the efficiency of state-supported dental schools, and general practice residency positions. (SW)