Dental practice owners continue to deal with various staffing challenges that have made it more difficult to operate, including talent shortages, increasing wages and low retention rates.
Six dental industry professionals recently spoke with Becker’s about the workforce challenges facing practices in 2026:
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What roadblocks are you facing regarding recruiting and retention at your organization? What positions/roles are most affected?
Corey Anderson, DDS. Affordable Dentures & Implants (Bridgeport, W.V.): Staffing remains a challenge at all levels. Entry level positions take time to cultivate ability, with wages needed to match the hyper inflation world we live in with reimbursements flat.
Source: Dentists’ biggest staffing headaches / Becker’s Dental