Dentistry and its workforce shortage were highlighted April 19 during a hearing held by the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.
The hearing, “Examining Existing Federal Health Programs to Build a Stronger Health Workforce and Improve Primary Care,” included the testimony of Carole Johnson, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ms Johnson discussed the reauthorization of programs within HRSA, many of which expire Sept. 30.
Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., specifically questioned Ms. Johnson on what HRSA is doing to address the dental industry workforce. She cited ADA Health Policy Institute data that shows one in three dentists do not have full appointment schedules because of staffing issues.
“The worker shortage and the dental sector is not exempt from these workforce challenges currently being discussed. The shortage of dental providers impacts patients access to oral health care across the country,” said Rep. Barragán. “In fact, research by the ADA’s Health Policy Institute indicates that one in three dentists do not have full appointment schedules because of staffing issues. What is HRSA doing to address the dental industry workforce shortages, particularly with respect to dental hygienist sand does HRSA have plans to reopen any of the oral health training programs such as this state oral health workforce program?”
Source: Lawmakers discuss dental workforce at Congressional hearing / American Dental Association