The United States is currently facing a significant shortage of dental hygienists. This shortage is largely due to two main factors: an aging workforce and the rising demand for dental services. As more people seek dental care and older professionals retire, the gap between the need for dental hygienists and the available workforce continues to grow.
Why Is the U.S. Facing a Dental Hygienist Shortage?
According to a recent survey by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, nearly 34% of dentists are actively looking to hire more staff. However, 92% of those currently hiring report that finding qualified candidates is extremely difficult. This shortage is felt across the country, with dental offices struggling to find qualified hygienists to meet the demand for care.
The demand for dental services has increased as the U.S. population grows older. With an aging population, more people need dental treatments, particularly as they face age-related oral health issues. At the same time, the dental hygienist workforce is aging, and many older professionals are retiring, which creates a gap that’s hard to fill.
Lakeshore College’s Solution: Expanding the Dental Program
In response to the growing need for dental hygienists, educational programs in Wisconsin are working hard to attract more people into the field. Lakeshore College, located between Manitowoc and Sheboygan, is investing $1.2 million to expand its dental program. This expansion includes the addition of a dental hygiene program and an increase in student capacity. The goal is to train more professionals and help alleviate the shortage in the state.
Christina McGinnis, the program coordinator, said the need to expand was clear. Local dental offices have been facing difficulties hiring staff, and the expansion will help address that challenge. McGinnis also emphasized that the new program not only aims to train more professionals but also to attract more students to the field.
“We definitely listened to our dental advisory board, which meets twice a year. They expressed their concerns about the difficulty of finding dental providers in the area for both dental hygiene and assisting positions,” McGinnis said. “That’s why this expansion is so important – to give students more opportunities to gain hands-on experience and be prepared for the demands of the job.”
The college is introducing new dental simulators, which will allow students to practice their skills outside of clinic hours. This provides students with additional training, so they can be better prepared when they eventually work with patients.
Recruitment Strategies in Dental Clinics
For dental offices, the challenge is clear: how do you attract and retain talent in such a competitive job market? Dental offices across the country, particularly nonprofit organizations, are revising their recruitment strategies to make positions more appealing.
One example is Community Smiles Dental in Waukesha, Wisconsin, which serves patients on Medicaid or those who are uninsured. CEO Scott Marshall said that a few years ago, the clinic struggled to hire dental professionals. But with some changes to their approach, they’ve recently been able to reach near full staffing levels.
“We realized that we needed to focus on offering more than just a salary. It’s about creating a work environment that values each staff member and aligns with their goals,” Marshall said. “At Community Smiles, hygienists have the time they need to care for each patient, which makes the job more rewarding. They don’t have to rush from one patient to the next.”
Marshall explained that Community Smiles Dental works hard to foster a positive, mission-driven environment. He believes that offering a mission-driven workplace is essential in today’s competitive job market. The clinic also offers competitive pay, which has helped them attract qualified staff members.
“Many people don’t realize that nonprofit health care agencies can offer salaries that are just as competitive as traditional dental offices,” Marshall added. “By promoting our mission and emphasizing the quality of care we provide, we’ve been able to attract people who are passionate about helping others.”
How the Shortage Affects Patients
The shortage of dental hygienists is not just an issue for dental offices and professionals. It’s also affecting patients. As clinics struggle to hire enough staff, patients may experience longer wait times for appointments. In some cases, patients may even have to travel further to find dental services, especially in rural areas.
This is why programs like Lakeshore College’s expansion are so crucial. They provide a pathway for more people to enter the dental hygiene field and help meet the growing demand for services. By training more dental professionals, schools can help ensure that patients have better access to the care they need.
What’s Next?
The shortage of dental hygienists is a complex issue, but it’s one that can be addressed with a combination of efforts. Educational institutions are expanding their programs to train more professionals, while dental offices are working to improve their recruitment strategies. With time and effort, the hope is that the shortage will be alleviated, ensuring that dental care remains accessible to everyone.
As more dental hygienists enter the workforce, patients can expect shorter wait times and more accessible care. For now, however, dental offices across the U.S. continue to face challenges in finding enough qualified staff to meet the growing demand for dental services.
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