Why dental hygienists are leaving the field

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *