Staffing shortages, rising costs and low payer reimbursements are three persistent challenges that have faced dentists for the last several years.
Here is a deep dive on how these challenges are affecting dentists:
Staffing shortages: The recruitment of hygienists and dental assistants has consistently been one of the biggest challenges for practices over the last several years, partially driven by rising compensation. Nearly 70% of dentists described the recruitment of dental assistants as “very” or “extremely challenging,” according to the American Dental Association’s “State of the U.S. economy” report for the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, more than 90% of dentists who have actively been recruiting dental hygienists over the past three months said it has been “very” or “extremely” challenging. The demand for high wages and benefits was among the many challenges dentists have described facing for both positions.
Rising costs: Rising costs have become one of the biggest challenges facing dental practices over the last couple of years, leading to the refocusing of investments, practice closures and tightening budgets. Prices for dental equipment and supplies increased 6% during the 12-month period ending in February, compared to a 2% inflation rate, according to data from the ADA.
Low reimbursement rates: Although several states have increased reimbursement rates for dental services in recent years, the updates are still not enough to keep up with the pace of inflation, according to recent ADA data. The organization reported that reimbursement rates increased slightly in February. However, long-term trends show that rates are not keeping pace with overall inflation or the rise in practice expenses, placing practices under a “fiscal squeeze.”
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