The dental assistant shortage could worsen as the industry grapples with decreased job satisfaction, an upcoming wave of retirements and program enrollment. Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report pointed to potential challenges with recruiting and retaining dental assistants, showing that…
Staffing Issues
Dental professionals are optimistic that growing enrollment in dental hygiene programs and increased retention rates will help alleviate workforce shortages in the field. But others say more work is needed before further improvements can take place. Enrollment in dental hygiene…
Seventeen states enacted or implemented changes to dental assistant requirements between April and July 2026, according to Dental Assisting National Board’s Fall 2026 State of the States report. Nine states expanded dental assistant functions, three modified requirements, three changed supervision…
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has published a white paper arguing that dental hygienists should have self-governance, not just self-regulation. The profession’s current model allows for partial oversight but not enough authority to ensure access to preventive care, according to…
Several states have approved additional funding or moved forward with legislation aimed at improving the dental workforce. Four updates: 1. Nevada Senate Bill 495 would allow individuals to receive a dental hygiene license without completing a dental hygiene program that…
Advertisement
The dental industry has seen slight improvements in employment growth over the last 12 months, according to the American Dental Association’s “State of the U.S. Dental Economy” report for the second quarter of 2026. The ADA recently released its “State…
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has expressed its opposition to a section of a bill in Nevada that creates an alternative license pathway. Sections 77-79 of Nevada Senate Bill 495 would allow individuals to receive a dental hygiene license without…
The Virginia General Assembly has allocated $20 million to expand career and technical education programs in the state, including dental hygiene programs, according to a July 29 report from WCYB. The budget includes $1 million to create a fund that…
The dental industry is facing several obstacles fueling workforce shortages and making it harder for prospective students to pursue dental school. The factors straining the workforce pipeline have many industry leaders wondering, is the dental field headed for a perfect…
Washington, D.C., Council member Wendell Felder introduced legislation July 14 that would join the district in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. The Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact is backed by the American Association of Dental…