Key facts
- 60% of dentists report having an adequate number of dental hygienists on staff.
- An estimated 3,300 hygienists left the field during the pandemic.
- Dental hygienists experience high rates of burnout due to demanding workloads and physical strain.
- Many smaller dental practices do not offer benefits like health insurance.
- Job postings for dental hygienists can remain open for six months with few applicants.
America is facing a critical shortage of dental hygienists, a situation exacerbated by burnout, physical demands, and a lack of benefits, leading experienced professionals to leave the field. According to the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute, only 60% of dentists report having enough hygienists on staff, with states like Virginia, Missouri, Texas, and California needing hundreds more clinicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment growth for hygienists, but the field struggles with retention. Many veteran clinicians are exiting due to the physical toll of the job, heavy workloads, and insufficient benefits. Dental hygiene programs are also not increasing their output of new graduates quickly enough to meet demand. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing issues. Temporary office closures impacted hygienists' incomes, and upon reopening, they faced increased exposure risks in close-contact, aerosol-generating procedures while managing new safety protocols. This, combined with the emotional labor of managing diverse patient anxieties, led many to leave, with an estimated 3,300 exiting the profession. Long-standing problems include the physically demanding nature of the work, leading to common injuries in the neck, shoulders, wrists, and lower back. Many smaller practices lack benefits like health insurance, pushing hygienists toward corporate environments or dental service organizations. While these larger groups may offer better benefits, their focus on profit can lead to compressed appointment times and an exhausting pace, resulting in high turnover. Brandon Patel, who manages two dental practices in Connecticut, stated that a job posting has been open for nearly six months with minimal applicants, and those who do apply are often seeking better offers. His clinics offer $55 to $60 per hour but cannot provide health insurance due to the challenges for small businesses.