Workforce shortages have led to a wide range of issues for the dental industry, including dentists having to perform more hygiene services, practice closures and long wait times for patients. In the American Dental Association’s most recent “Economic Outlook and…
Staffing Issues
The majority of owner dentists are not expecting to conduct layoffs or staff reductions this year, according to a survey from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute. The ADA surveyed 666 dentists on the changes they have made or…
Dentists and patients in Fairfax County, Va., are struggling with the lack of dental hygienists in the state, the Fairfax County Times reported July 17. Eight notes: 1. Virginia’s hygienist workforce currently falls short of the national average, with 60.5…
The American Dental Association is urging Congress to reauthorize and invest in dental workforce programs to increase access to oral healthcare in underserved communities. The ADA wrote a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health ahead…
Massachusetts dental providers recently debated an interstate dental compact being considered by legislators, Masslive.com reported July 14. Four notes: 1. State legislators are considering legislation to join two different compacts: the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, and the…
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The orthodontic field is experiencing a slightly more positive workforce, according to a recent survey from the American Association of Orthodontists. The AAO recently conducted its “Economics of Orthodontics and Patient Census Survey,” which gathers practice statistics, market data and…
Vermont State Colleges is ending the development of its dental therapy program at Vermont State University in Montpelier, Vermont Business Magazine reported June 30. The state authorized the practice of dental therapists in 2016 to help increase access to care…
Louisiana lawmakers have passed a bill making Louisiana the first state to join the American Association of Dental Boards’ Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. Three notes: 1. The interstate compact aims to streamline dental licensing, alleviate workforce shortages…
The New York state legislature has passed a bill to allow dental hygienists to practice without supervision in specified locations if they enter a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed dentist. To be eligible for a collaborative practice agreement, hygienists…
Hopkinton, Mass.-based Simply Dental Management has made several internal changes in response to employee feedback, including with its benefits and communications. The DSO said company-wide, anonymous surveys were sent out in September to identify employee challenges and areas of improvement.…