The dental workforce, especially dental hygienists and dental assistants, continues to be a thorn in the side of DSOs and dental practices.
Here are 10 staffing and workforce stats concerning the industry:
- Around two-thirds of dental hygienists, dental assistants and associate dentists are unsatisfied with their compensation and benefits, according to a recent survey from GoTu, a dental talent marketplace.
- Nearly 60% of respondents did not receive a pay raise in the past year, and only 25.3% receive any form of performance-based bonuses or compensation.
- More than 54% of dental hygienists, dental assistants and associate dentists are affected by burnout.
- The total number of dental office jobs increased by less than 0.1% between January and February. There has only been a 0.5% increase in dental sector jobs over the last 12 months, according to a report from the American Dental Association.
- More than 90% of dentists who have actively been recruiting dental hygienists over the past three months said that it has been “very” or “extremely” challenging.
- There has been an 11.6% decline in dental job postings in the last year, according to new research from Indeed.
- Dental assistant hiring and retention is getting a negative forecast due to mounting workforce challenges, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
- Nearly half of dental assistants are considering changing jobs within the next two years.
- More than one-quarter of dental hygienists are planning to retire within the next five years, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
- Although the supply of dentists in the U.S. has increased by 24% since 2001, that growth has slowed in recent years due to an increase in retirement, according to data from the American Dental Association.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
