There are currently 7,067 dental professional shortage areas in the U.S., according to new data from the Health Resources & Services Administration.

Here is what the salaries and employment levels look like for three dental roles as the industry looks ahead to 2025:

The Health and Human Services Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council adopted model legislation to address issues in the dental workforce, according to a Dec. 11 news release from the American Dental Association.

Two Florida legislators have filed bills to establish dental therapy in the state, Florida Politics reported Dec. 11. 

Weldon, N.C.-based Halifax Community College has received a $500,000 grant for the creation of a dental assistant program.

A Virginia court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's participation in the interstate Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

The ongoing shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants throughout the industry workforce has been an ongoing issue in dentistry. 

Dental therapists could be officially approved to practice in Wisconsin in 2025, according to a Nov. 29 report by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Here are six dental therapy updates that Becker's has covered in 2024:

The rate at which Vermont has lost dental providers over the last few years has led to poor oral health among residents, vtdigger reported Nov. 21.

The Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners recently adopted new regulations for dental therapists. 

A new California law that removes barriers to becoming an orthodontic assistant was recently passed.

The Wilkesboro, N.C.-based Wilkes Community College of Board of Trustees approved the establishment of a dental hygiene program, according to a Nov. 13 report by Wilkes Journal-Patriot.

Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow by 9% by 2033, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The dental industry is continuing to work through staffing problems, with the U.S. needing more than 10,000 dental practitioners to fill shortages.

There are nearly a dozen new and amended employment laws going into effect in California that dentists and dental practices need to know, according to an Oct. 31 news release from the California Dental Association.  

Montana is working to keep up with the demand in dental care while facing a dental hygienist shortage, KRTV reported Oct. 30.

Phoenix-based Toothio, a dental staffing marketplace, has received an additional $5 million in financing.

Orem-based Utah Valley University has opened a dental hygiene lab and community dental clinic, according to an Oct. 25 news release. 

Staffing shortages have plagued the dental industry, creating an ongoing problem for dental practices and DSOs.