Staffing Issues

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is partnering with the Delta Dental Foundation of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana to launch a program that will address workforce shortages.  The initiative,”Hygienist Inspired,” is a chairside recruitment program that aims to increase diversity and…

Michigan is currently facing a shortage of dental workers that has left patients waiting months for an appointment, Bridge Michigan reported March 5. 

The Arizona Senate recently passed a bill that would create the role of oral preventive assistant in the state.

Dakota College at Bottineau (North Dakota) has launched a dental hygiene program after receiving accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

The West Virginia Board of Dentistry recently pushed for an amendment to a bill that would grant universal licensure for dental professionals entering the state, therealwv.com reported March 4. 

A bill in the Kentucky legislature aims to expand the locations where dental hygienists are permitted to practice as public health hygienists, according to a March 3 report from Public News Service.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has put forward legislation to remove license application and renewal fees for certain occupations, including dental hygienists.

Seven states have recently introduced legislation to join the Instate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact created by the American Association of Dental Boards.

Arizona legislators are currently considering a bill that would enter the state into the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact. 

The Georgia House Health Committee unanimously passed a bill to help dental schools in Augusta and Savannah, Ga., to recruit faculty members, according to a Feb. 20 report from Savannah Morning News.