Dental assistant hiring and retention is getting a negative forecast due to mounting workforce challenges, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including workforce, salary and practice management. Dentalpost surveyed nearly 3,575 dental professionals to create this year’s report. The survey was conducted from Aug. 29 until Sept. 30, 2025.
Dentalpost surveyed 173 dental assistants for the report.
Seven notes on the dental assistant workforce from the report:
1. Twenty-seven percent of dental assistants said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their total compensation, compared to 35% last year.
2. 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.
3. Among those considering changing jobs, 84% cite higher pay as a primary motivation, followed by better benefits and seeking a more appreciative employer.
4. Sixteen percent of dental assistants plan to retire within the next five years, compared to 27% of all respondents in the report.
5. Only 54% of dental assistants said they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their current work, compared to 57% last year.
6. Some of the challenges facing dental assistants include low compensation, workplace toxicity and a lack of appreciation, and being overworked.
7. Dentalpost concluded that while there is a positive influx of dental assistants entering the field, improvements in compensation, culture and workload are needed for stable retention.
