Using all deaths & corresponding census data in 26 American states, the suicide risk for working physicians & dentists was examined. Death & census data for working people were obtained from 1984 through 1992. Directly age-standardized suicide rate ratios were calculated for white male & white female physicians & white male dentists. For white female physicians, the suicide rate was elevated compared to the working American population. For white male physicians & dentists, the overall suicide rates were reduced. For older white male physicians & dentists, however, observed suicide rates were elevated. (21 refs.)