Dental industry professionals and other stakeholders called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to expand training and remove barriers to help alleviate workforce shortages in the state.
The state Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing April 13 to discuss the impact of dental workforce shortages. Several dental professionals testified during the hearing, including private practitioners, educators, members of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and executives from various dental companies.
During the hearing, Committee Chair Sen. Dave Argall noted that nearly one third of Pennsylvania residents do not receive regular dental care. He also pointed out the high percentage of dental professionals reaching retirement age.
Some of the issues highlighted during the testimonies include the uneven distribution of dental professionals in the state, the high migration of dentists to other states and a lack of educational opportunities.
Solutions offered to legislators include opening another dental school in the state, expanding the scope of practice for hygienists, launching loan repayment programs for dentists and streamlining the insurance credentialing process.
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