Increased flexibility with dental licensure could bring about a new challenge with workforce shortages. 

Here are six recent stories covered by Becker's highlighting the state of workforce shortages and how these shortages are affecting dentistry: 

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental and Concorde Career Colleges are partnering to open campuses to train dental hygienists and dental assistants. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a number of bills into law July 24, including one that enters the state into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

Kwikly Dental Staffing completed a series A fundraising round, led by an investment from Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental.

The Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning Act has been introduced in the Senate, which provides further funding to create and expand dental provider pipelines.

South Texas College in McAllen is developing an associate of applied science in dental hygiene program, funded by a $1 million grant.

Bismarck (N.D.) State College received approval to offer associate degree programs for dental hygiene and dental assisting, according to a July 11 report by Prairie Public Broadcasting.

Dental practices in Virginia are facing scheduling backlogs due to a shortage of both dental hygienists and dental educators, according to a July 1 report by WAVY 10.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen wrote a letter to the Nebraska Board of Dentistry, asking the board to change its licensing standards to recruit more dentists to the state, according to a June 26 report by 1011Now.

The ongoing workforce challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic could continue affecting dentistry for at least a few more years as practice owners and industry executives find the best ways to retain staff.

Watertown, S.D.-based Lake Area Technical College is creating an associate of applied sciences program in dental hygiene.

Here are six dental schools that have launched scholarships, created programs and more to help alleviate workforce issues in the dental industry that Becker's has reported on since March 29:

The University of Pikeville (Ky.) partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical in Kentucky to create a scholarship program for its upcoming dental school.

Here are six updates on the dental staffing sector that Becker's has reported on in May:

Minnesota is expected to become the 9th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist compact.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law that approves the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

Graduates from the Milwaukee-based Marquette University School of Dentistry became the first class in the U.S. to receive 'privilege diplomas', according to a May 10 report by CBS 58.

Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis., is creating the first dental therapy training program in the state, according to a May 9 report by Wisconsin Public Radio.

U.S. Rep Frank Pallone recently penned a letter urging the Health Resources and Services Administration to increase funding for the training of physicians and dentists under the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program.