Trouble filling vacant staff positions is the most common reason dentists currently aren't able to accept more patients, according to poll findings from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.
For the week of Aug. 16, general dentists were asked, "Which of the following factors are limiting your practice's ability to see more patients?" Respondents could select all that apply. Of 1,382 respondents, the following percentage said these factors were limiting their ability to see more patients:
Trouble filling vacant staff positions: 39.3 percent
COVID-19 safety protocols are limiting the capacity: 29.5 percent
Not enough patients trying to make appointments: 28.7 percent
None of the above (my practice is satisfied with its current volume of patients): 20.8 percent
Could accept more patients but don't want to increase patient volume any further: 16.4 percent