Approximately one-third (31.4 percent) of dental hygienists and 33.7 percent of dental assistants are expecting to retire within the next five years, according to dental workforce shortage research from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.
The workforce data was collected from thousands of dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants in 2022.
Here is when dental hygienists and dental assistants reported planning to retire:
Dental hygienists
Within the next 12 months: 4.1 percent
In the next 1-2 years: 9.6 percent
3-5 years from now: 17.7 percent
6-10 years from now: 21.3 percent
11-20 years from now: 27.5 percent
More than 20 years from now: 19.8 percent
Dental assistants
Within the next 12 months: 6.6 percent
In the next 1-2 years: 10.9 percent
3-5 years from now: 16.2 percent
6-10 years from now: 18.6 percent
11-20 years from now: 21 percent
More than 20 years from now: 26.8 percent