New patients trying to schedule a routine cleaning at Klein Family Dentistry in Harrisburg, Pa. cannot schedule one until at least October, according to a May 25 report by ABC27 News.
The four-month backlog is due to a lack of dental hygienists, most of whom either changed jobs or retired during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Klein Family Dentistry, led by Gary Klein, DDS, recently added a 3D printer and four new patient rooms but has been unable to find hygienists to staff the office.
More than half of dental practices across the country have unfilled dental hygienist positions, the report said.