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Dental auxiliaries wanted! Please apply.
1Department of Dental Health School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stoney Brook.
The Dental Assistant
|July 1, 1991
Summary
The number of dental auxiliaries is decreasing, with fewer students entering training programs and inadequate compensation contributing to workforce shortages. This trend is unlikely to reverse soon, impacting dental practices nationwide.
Area of Science:
- Dental Workforce Research
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Dental practices face increasing demand for auxiliary staff.
- National and local dental organizations are promoting recruitment and retention programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review changes in dental auxiliary student numbers and demographics over the past decade.
- To analyze shifts in financial compensation for dental auxiliaries.
- To update previous reports on auxiliary training, salaries, and working arrangements through 1990.
Main Methods:
- Review of data on dental auxiliary student enrollment and characteristics.
- Analysis of salary and compensation trends for dental assistants, hygienists, and technicians.
- Comparison of current data with historical trends from the 1970s to mid-1980s.
Main Results:
- A decline in the number of dental auxiliary students and graduates.
- Stagnant or inadequate financial compensation for dental auxiliaries.
- Persistent and worsening dental team workforce shortages.
Conclusions:
- The dwindling supply of dental auxiliaries, coupled with insufficient compensation, exacerbates workforce shortages.
- The trend of declining numbers and inadequate pay for dental auxiliaries is projected to continue.
- Addressing financial compensation is crucial for improving recruitment and retention in the dental auxiliary workforce.