Staffing Issues

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.