Dental Industry Faces Ongoing Staffing Challenges
Becker’s Dental Review 
(10/14, Cortigiano) reported that the dental industry continues to struggle with staffing shortages, affecting the recruitment of dental hygienists and assistants. Catrise Austin, DDS, expressed concern over potential declines in care quality due to these workforce gaps. Manny Chopra, DMD, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to expand the workforce, including educational initiatives. John Vaselaney, DDS, highlighted the importance of supporting training programs to address these shortages.
This is a real thing, although in Texas I do not see a shortage of assistants but there is a definite shortage of hygienists. To give you guys a example in 2019 the average pay for a hygienists was $39 per hour and now its $50. There are 2 ways to become one. The college degree route and the associate route. Associate will take you 2 years and will only prevent you from teaching dental hygiene everything else is the same as the college degree. You do have to have some pre req college classes and the entrance exam but If all you want to do is work as a hygienist at a dental office then do the associate. Your pay and responsibilities will be exactly the same. You can work full time at a office or just temp at several and make your own hours. My neighbor temps for me when we have someone out sick or on vacation or just need extra help. Its a great option for a stay at home mom.
So mention dental hygiene to any young folks that are looking for a good career or someone that is looking to switch careers.