Although the dental industry is seeing improvements in hygiene staffing, continuity remains at risk due to an aging workforce, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report. Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including workforce, salary and practice management.…
Staffing Issues
Dentists and hygienists in Virginia are debating a pair of bills aimed at reducing workforce shortages, WHRO reported Feb. 2. Seven notes: 1. SB178 would allow dental assistants to earn certification as a preventive dental assistant, with authorization to perform…
The New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to join the Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact. The Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact is one of two initiatives aimed at improving license portability for dentists and dental hygienists between participating…
The Indiana House has passed a bill to create a pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a hygienist license. House Bill 1254 would allow dentists who have graduated from dental schools outside of the U.S. and have earned degrees similar…
Missouri Sen. Ben Brown recently filed legislation for the state to join the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact. Four notes: 1. The compact aims to improve license portability for dentists and dental hygienists by allowing them to practice in all…
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The Academy of General Dentistry and the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry have raised concerns with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry about a proposal to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists. Four notes: 1. One proposed change would…
The dental hygiene landscape is shifting amid legislative changes, salary inflation and workforce shortages. Here are seven recent updates for dental leaders to know: 1. Dentist hygienist was ranked as the best dental job in 2026 by U.S. News and…
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation that would allow hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist. Seven notes about the law: 1. Under S03157, hygienists who enter a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed dentist can…
Michigan recently licensed its first dental therapist in an effort to improve dental care access in the state. Six notes: 1. The Michigan legislature authorized the practice of dental therapy in 2018. 2. Michigan established a licensure pathway in 2021,…
Here are 10 dental staffing updates for industry leaders to know: 1. Pediatric dentistry has seen the largest increase in the workforce since 2001, according to data from the American Dental Association. 2. Although the supply of dentists in the…