Texas dental practices face staffing challenges: 4 things to know

One Houston-based dental practice has been operating with a quarter of its staff out, and other practices in East Texas are experiencing similar staff shortages during the pandemic, KLTV, an ABC affiliate, reported Sept. 28.

Advertisement

Four things to know about the region’s workforce shortage:

  1. Megan Kiker, 3C Dental Group’s regional manager for East Texas, said most of her offices have had absent staff members for about a year, while one office has been seeking a front desk employer for more than two months.
  2. Sachin Kocharekar, DMD, owner of Tyler, Texas-based Best Dental Care, said a dental hygienist at his office retired right before the start of the pandemic, and the pandemic has slowed the process of screening and onboarding a replacement.
  3. Matt Roberts, chair of the Texas Dental Association’s council on legislative, regulatory and governmental affairs, said while he has not noticed a staffing shortage, they are common and were around before the pandemic.
  4. A May poll from the American Dental Association found that more than 80 percent of hiring dentists are experiencing recruitment challenges for several positions, including dental hygienists, dental assistants and administrative staff.

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place November 12–14 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Staffing Issues

  • Here are 10 statistics and trends showing how the dental assistant workforce is evolving:  1. Dentalpost reported that dental assistants…

  • Here are eight statistics and trends showing how the dental hygiene field is evolving:  1. Several states have introduced or…

  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed legislation that allows hygienists to practice at hospitals without general supervision from a dentist.…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.