Wisconsin Addresses Shortage of Oral Health Professionals

Wisconsin is facing a severe shortage of oral health professionals, including dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dentists. The shortage may result in longer wait times for patients seeking dental care. Northcentral Technical College in Wausau has responded to the crisis by adding an extra term in the spring for their dental programs, aiming to graduate students throughout the school year to address the immediate demand. State lawmakers are also taking action through Senate Bill 689, which proposes licensure for dental therapists and allocates funding for workforce training. The proposed bill aims to alleviate the workforce shortage by providing financial support to schools for scholarships, updated tools, and program expansion, offering a significant step toward resolving the current challenges in the dental workforce. Click here to read more.