Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average rate for all other occupations, but challenges remain for the recruitment and retention of these professionals.
Here are six notes on the dental assistant workforce:
1. Dental assistant employment is projected to increase by 7% between now and 2035.
2. The BLS predicted there will be an average of about 53,000 openings for dental assistants each year over the next decade, driven by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
3. Dentalpost reported that dental assistants are the likeliest dental professionals to be seeking new opportunities, with 47% considering changing jobs within the next two years.
4. Sixteen percent of dental assistants plan to retire within the next five years.
5. Only 54% of dental assistants said they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their current work in January, compared to 57% last year.
6. Dental assisting programs in the U.S. have seen a 5.2% decrease in total enrollment since 2021, according to new data from the ADA.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
