According to the American Dental Association’s “Dental Workforce Shortages” report, 42.9 percent of dental hygienists voluntarily left the field because of the culture.
The report includes results from a survey conducted in June. The survey included responses from 4,255 dental hygienists and 5,122 dental hygienists 18 or older.
Reasons for dental hygienists voluntarily leaving the field:
1. Culture: 42.9 percent
2. Lack of opportunity for growth and advancement: 34.8 percent
3. Inadequate benefits: 32.6 percent
4. Overworked: 32.1 percent
5. Communication concerns in the practice: 27.2 percent
6. Insufficient pay: 26.6 percent
7. Safety concerns related to COVID-19: 26.1 percent
8. Career has not been satisfying: 25.5 percent
9. Practice philosophy: 23.9 percent
10. Family situation changed, wanted/needed more time at home: 22.8 percent
11. Planned to retire at this time in career: 17.4 percent
12. Flexible work schedule needed: 14.7 percent
13. Patient attitudes: 14.1 percent
Source: Why dental hygienists are leaving the field / Becker’s Dental