Here are five updates showing how the dental hygiene field is evolving:
1. Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow much faster than the average rate for all other occupations, according to data from the Bureau of Labor statistics.
2. 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.
3. Several states continue to weigh legislation that would streamline pathways for dental hygienists and other professionals to gain licensure in different states.
4. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association issued an updated position statement on the dental hygiene workforce shortage earlier this year, suggesting that it is “retention” rather than a “supply” crisis.
5. Around two-thirds of dental hygienists are unsatisfied with their compensation and benefits, according to a new survey from GoTu, a dental talent marketplace.
