SUFFOLK, Va. — Virginians may be waiting longer for routine dental appointments as the Commonwealth faces a shortage of dental hygienists. It’s a workforce gap that dental leaders say is limiting access to preventive care.
The Virginia Dental Association estimates the state is currently short about 1,000 dental hygienists needed to meet patient demand. At Howell Dentistry in Suffolk, General Dentist Dr. Dani Howell said the shortage has made it increasingly difficult for patients to schedule routine cleanings.
Source: Virginia faces shortage of dental hygienists as state works to expand workforce / 13 News Now