Dental Assisting Trends We Saw in 2023 – and What They Mean for 2024
As 2024 approaches, the dental assisting profession continues to evolve. While some challenges from recent years have persisted, they’ve also opened the door to new opportunities. Here’s a look at key trends from 2023 that will likely shape the year ahead.
Ongoing Staff Shortages in Dental Practices
Staffing shortages have remained a significant issue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, this trend continued to impact dental practices across the country.
Dental assistants have stepped up in many ways, taking on more responsibilities and even moving into new roles like lead dental assistant or infection control coordinator. However, in some cases, this increased workload has also led to burnout.
According to a November 2023 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute (HPI), 36% of private practices were actively hiring dental assistants—an increase from 33% earlier in the year. Nearly 90% of practices said it was “extremely” or “moderately” challenging to fill these positions.
As a result, dentists are taking on additional tasks themselves. In an October 2023 HPI survey, nearly half of dentists reported performing duties usually handled by hygienists, assistants, or office managers.
Cross-Training Is on the Rise
While dentists are carrying more of the workload, many practices are also embracing cross-training as a solution. The same October HPI survey revealed that 16% of dental practices had offered more cross-training opportunities due to staffing shortages.
Today’s dental assistants are expected to be adaptable and versatile. Many are now learning office management tasks, such as scheduling, handling patient insurance questions, and more.
Cross-training helps dental assistants grow professionally and prepares them for future leadership roles within their practices.
Increased Job Movement Among Dental Assistants
Many dental assistants are considering career changes. According to DentalPost’s 2023 salary survey, around 30% had considered switching jobs. Specifically, 39% had applied for a new position in the past year, and 27% planned to do so in the coming year.
These numbers align with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)’s latest Salary and Satisfaction Survey. It found that nearly one in three dental assistants frequently think about leaving their current job. The most common reasons? A desire for better pay or feeling unappreciated by their current employer.
➡️ Read more: 5 reasons dental assistants change jobs
More Dental Assistants Receiving Health Insurance Benefits
Good benefits show employees they are valued. In 2023, more dental practices began offering health insurance to dental assistants, helping attract and retain staff.
According to DentalPost:
- 45% of dental assistants in private practices had health insurance in 2022 (up from 26% in 2021)
- 80% of dental assistants in corporate practices received health insurance in 2022 (up from 61% in 2021)
DANB’s 2022 survey also showed a rise, with 54% of dental assistants receiving health insurance—up from 43% in 2020. Health insurance is one of the top priorities for assistants when choosing where to work.
Most Dental Assistants Remain Satisfied With Their Jobs
Despite the challenges, dental assisting remains a rewarding profession. Research by the ADA Health Policy Institute (in collaboration with ADAA, ADHA, DANB, and IgniteDA) found that 60% of dental assistants were satisfied with their roles.
Similarly, DANB’s latest survey showed a 65% satisfaction rate. Importantly, more than 75% of dental assistants see their work as a career, not just a job.
Dental assisting requires in-depth knowledge and training, but it also offers room for growth and the opportunity to positively impact patients’ lives.
These trends and more were discussed in the free webinar “Allied Dental Workforce Issues, Solutions, and Action Plans,” hosted by the American Dental Education Association in August 2023. Listen here.
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