Dental practices in the U.S. created more than 2.4 million jobs in 2022, according to data from the American Dental Association.

Here are four states that have created and passed legislation to combat staffing issues and shortages in the dental industry that Becker's has reported on since Jan. 29:

More than 140 organizations and individuals are lobbying the Florida Legislature to pass two bills that would authorize dental therapists in the state.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed a bill that expands the ability to practice as a dental hygienist under the supervision of a dentist.

The number of projected jobs for dentists is expected to be much lower than other healthcare occupations, with the employment change between 2022 and 2032 projected to increase 6,800, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Wisconsin recently became the 14th state to authorize dental therapists to treat patients, and several other states could soon do the same. 

At Heartland Dental, our mission is clear: we stand shoulder to shoulder with supported doctors and their teams to deliver the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities we serve.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers plans to sign a bill that will allow dental therapists to provide care in the state, according to a Jan. 31 report by the Wisconsin State Journal.

Issues with dental hygiene programs are exacerbating hiring challenges in the dental industry, according to a recent report from the Association of DSOs. 

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University is launching a program to offer tuition assistance to students who commit to practicing in underserved areas.

Forty-two percent of DSO-affiliated dentists are satisfied or very satisfied with their benefits, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Dental practices in Minnesota are facing major scheduling backlogs, mainly due to the lack of available dental hygienists, according to a Jan. 10 report by ABC affiliate KSTP-TV.

The dental workforce emerged as one of the biggest issues in the industry during 2023, and there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel coming anytime soon.

About 28% of dental practice managers plan to apply for new jobs by the end of 2024, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Hiring and retention were the biggest challenges facing dental practice managers in 2023, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Dental practice managers saw a jump in both hourly wages and annual income in 2023, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Fifty-six percent of dental assistants are considering applying for new jobs before 2025, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

About 28 percent of dental assistants are satisfied with their compensation, while 37 percent are satisfied with their benefits, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Thirty-four percent of dental hygienists plan to retire within six years, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.

Eleven percent of dental hygienists are currently applying for or plan to apply for new jobs by the end of 2024, according to Dentalpost's 2024 Dental Salary Survey.