Dental patients in Vermont are waiting more than a year for routine cleanings due to the shortage of dental hygienists in the state, mychamplainvalley.com reported Nov. 17.
Five notes:
1. Many dental providers say the hygienist shortage has worsened over the past few years, leading to longer wait times, unfilled positions and increased demand.
2. The shortage is being driven by fewer students entering hygienist programs and current hygienists leaving the field due to burnout, increased living costs and competitive pay.
3. Practices are also reporting that hygienists entering the field are now seeking salaries closer to those of dentists, which they are unable to keep up with.
4. Many dental practices are now relying on temporary staff while having job postings open for months.
5. The shortage is also fueling financial challenges for smaller practices, forcing many to sell their offices to larger companies.
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