Staffing Issues

Wisconsin legislators recently introduced a bill that would allow dental therapists to practice in the state, the Wisconsin State Journal reported Nov. 6.

Dental assisting training and apprenticeship programs have been approved at the state level in Montana and Utah to help combat workforce shortages.

Dentists that are affiliated with DSOs are more concerned with staffing shortages than dentists that are not DSO-affiliated, according to a survey from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.

Approximately two-thirds of dental practices feel they have an adequate number of dental hygienists and dental assistants on staff, according to a survey from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.

The projected change in employment for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is expected to increase 5% by 2032, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The U.S. is projected to be short 36,517 dental professionals by 2031. 

The expected percentage change in employment from 2022 to 2032 for orthodontists is 4%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Colorado Northwestern Community College plans to launch a bachelor of applied science in dental hygiene program. 

Dental and healthcare investment firm Dental Innovation Alliance has invested in Cloud Dentistry.

The University of Maine Augusta will expand its Lewiston clinic with a $655,000 grant, according to an Oct. 18 report by ABC affiliate WMTW.