With Patient Volumes Back to Normal, the Problem Is Now Staff Shortages

The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute released new data from its polling of private dental practices across the United States, demonstrating that patient volumes are at 89%, which is the highest percentage seen since polling about the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry began in March 2020. The poll also showed that dental practices are struggling to fill gaps on their patient-care teams. Of participants, 90% found hiring dental hygienists to be extremely or highly challenging. Approximately 30% are actively recruiting dental hygienists and 40% are seeking to hire dental assistants at this time. Conducted during the week of August 16, the poll included more than 1,700 dental practices. Click here to read more.