One-fifth of dentists stated that hygienist positions had been open for more than six months before being filled, according to the American Dental Association’s “State of the U.S. Dental Economy” report for the third quarter of 2026.
The report shows that about one-third of dentists were recruiting hygienists during the third quarter, with the vast majority of these dentists reporting that recruiting hygienists was “very” or “extremely challenging.”
Here is how long dentists reported hygienist positions being open before being filled during the third quarter:
- Less than two weeks: 9.6%
- Two weeks to a month: 19.2%
- One to three months: 30.8%
- Three to six months: 19.2%
- More than six months: 21.2%
