Study: Dental worker shortage in rural communities

According to a Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association report, demand for oral care workers is acute, especially in rural areas. Nearly a third of positions for dental hygienists and dentists remain empty, community health centers report that 11% of physician positions and 13% of behavioral health roles are vacant, and community health centers are struggling to hire almost all positions. In a related report by Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Dental Association stated that 49% of dental offices are recruiting dental hygienists and 42% are recruiting dental assistants. A 2018 survey of Wisconsin dentists found that nearly 30% said they were planning to leave the workforce by 2023, primarily to retire.