Iowa State Dental Board Addresses COVID-19-Related Personnel Shortage

The state of Iowa is dealing with a crippling shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants. As such, the Board of Dentistry is creating a working group to address the problem. The group will include dentists from across the state, dental hygienists practicing in rural areas, and rural-based dental assistants who began their careers through on-the-job preceptorship and those with formal education.  The board is seeking ways to ease entry into dental assisting jobs. The global pandemic resulted in many dental hygienists and dental assistants leaving their professions, causing a tight labor market for dental practices. Click here to read more.