More than 90% of dentists who have actively been recruiting dental hygienists over the past three months said that it has been “very” or “extremely” challenging, according to a report from the American Dental Association.
Nearly 40% of dentists who responded to the ADA’s Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry for Q1 2026 reported that they are actively recruiting dental hygienists.
At least 31% of dentists have been recruiting hygienists since the first quarter of 2024. The percentage of dentists who said recruitment of hygienists has been “very” or “extremely” challenging has not dropped below 87% over that time frame.
The shortage of dental hygienists and wage demands are by far the two biggest recruiting hurdles for dentists.
Source: The biggest challenges in dental hygiene recruiting / Becker’s Dental