Filling dental practices with enough staff has been an ongoing problem for the dental industry and is a big issue moving forward for many.
For some dental professionals, the lack of dental assistants, hygienists and technicians is the No. 1 concern for the industry right now and could lead to accessibility problems in the future.
"My biggest worry about the dental industry is the shortage of skilled workers — dental assistants, hygienists and dental laboratory technicians — to cater to the population," said Avinash Bidra, DDS, program director, maxillofacial prosthodontist and clinical professor at UConn Health.
For one CEO, promoting careers in the dental industry is crucial to recruitment and being able to alleviate staffing shortages.
"My biggest worry is for patients not having access to care due to the shortage of hygienists and dental assistants," said Scotte Hudsmith, chair and CEO of Specialized Dental Partners. "We need to have more programs, expanded programs and a better process for educating high school students on career opportunities in dentistry."
Dental assistants and hygienists stepping away from the field is adding major fuel to the fire of staffing shortages, which one dentist believes is due to the lack of opportunities to climb the ladder and advance further in their career.
"I think one of the largest factors limiting individuals from becoming dental assistants and dental hygienists is the lack of career advancement possibilities," said Bradley Dunn, DMD, owner of Dynamic Dental Group PC in Vandalia, Ill. "Aside from becoming team leaders in their particular practices, the only easily identifiable options are either a supervisory or training role for a large group practice or becoming an instructor for their chosen profession."
Recruiting staff got even more difficult in July compared to June, according to the American Dental Association. With no end to the staffing shortage in sight, industry leaders should buckle in for a rough ride.