Several industry challenges could force more dentists into retirement, exacerbating existing workforce shortages.
Barry Lyon, DDS, the dental director for Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics and the chief clinical auditor for Dental Care Alliance, connected with Becker’s to discuss the challenges facing dentists.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics or Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
According to the American Dental Association’s 2024 Communications Trend Report, 60% of dentists who reported “major” career stress are considering early retirement or career changes. The profession may be challenged to maintain enough practicing dentists to meet patient demand.
According to the ADA, 33% of practicing dentists are over the age of 55 and nearing retirement, with retirement rates accelerating after the pandemic. In addition, dentists continue to grapple with difficulties recruiting and retaining dental personnel. Compounding the problem is 21% of practice managers plan to retire within six years, and 43% in the next 10 years, according to Dental Post’s 2024 Dental Salary Survey. Thirty percent of practice managers are 55+ years old. Thirty-two percent of billing specialists plan to retire within six years, and 47% in the next 10 years. Fifty-two percent of billing specialists are 55+ years old. Twenty-four percent of front-office associates/receptionists plan to retire within six years, and 41% in the next 10 years. Twenty-nine percent of front-office staff are 55+ years old. This retirement forecast of dental personnel may easily accelerate dentist retirement rates.
But wait, there’s more. Let’s not forget the effects tariffs may have on dental practices and the expected increased overhead costs. This may force those dentists on the retirement fence to decide it’s time to move on. Plus, if in fact prospective dental students are having difficulty obtaining federal loans for school, and this further impacts the availability of practicing dentists, then the shortage of dentists in the coming years may likely become an acute problem.
