Dentists affiliated with DSOs compared to those who are not are experiencing significantly different recruiting challenges, according to poll findings from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.
Nearly 1,000 (979) dentists currently recruiting answered the question, "Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, how challenging has it been to recruit for the following positions?"
Below are the percentages of dentists who responded that it is "extremely challenging" to hire for the following staff positions.
Dental hygienist
DSO: 66.7 percent
Non-DSO: 73.5 percent
Dental assistants
DSO: 31.3 percent
Non-DSO: 60.5 percent
Dentists
DSO: 50 percent
Non-DSO: 40.6 percent
Administrative staff
DSO: 16.7 percent
Non-DSO: 48.5 percent