Here are six updates on the dental staffing sector that Becker's has reported on in May:

Minnesota is expected to become the 9th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist compact.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law that approves the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

Graduates from the Milwaukee-based Marquette University School of Dentistry became the first class in the U.S. to receive 'privilege diplomas', according to a May 10 report by CBS 58.

Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis., is creating the first dental therapy training program in the state, according to a May 9 report by Wisconsin Public Radio.

U.S. Rep Frank Pallone recently penned a letter urging the Health Resources and Services Administration to increase funding for the training of physicians and dentists under the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program.

The shortage of dental hygienists has led to a scheduling backlog of up to 10 months at a Vermont practice, according to a May 2 report by CBS affiliate WCAX.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a new rule expanding eligibility for overtime pay.

Here are 12 updates covered by Becker's that show how the dental industry is dealing with workforce shortages:

Here are 11 dental staffing updates Becker's has covered since March 6: 

The dental industry faces a significant challenge in hiring and retaining qualified staff. This issue threatens practice growth, positive culture, patient & employee satisfaction, and sustainability.

Texas City, Texas-based College of the Mainland is set to launch a dental hygiene associate degree program.

The American Dental Association expressed its support for the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which aims to boost workforce development and training programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed Legislative Document 2137 into law, which allows the state to join the dentist and dental hygienist interstate compact.

Suncoast Career Academy opened a training facility in Brandon, Fla., to help alleviate the state's dental assistant shortage, according to an April 18 report by ABC affiliate WFTS.

Dental assistants and hygienists remain the most challenging roles to recruit for dental practices, according to a report from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2453, enacting the state's joining of the dental and dental hygienist interstate compact. 

There are 36 dental professional shortage areas in New Jersey, the lowest-ranked state for children's oral health.

There are 11 dental professional shortage areas in Washington, D.C., the highest-ranked area for children's oral health.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine is planning to expand its apprenticeship program for dental assistants to include more than 60 student trainees.