A recent American Dental Association report shows about 30% of people who worked as dental hygienists voluntarily decided to quit practicing for fears of contracting COVID-19. Around 20% reported they had workplace safety concerns, while 16% stopped practicing because someone in their household had an underlying health condition. There were also nearly 40% who simply retired, and that added to the shortage.
Luckily, Sweeney said their office is back to being fully staffed and are operating at pre-pandemic levels. However, there are some offices that look to fill those open positions to this day as people continue to return to the dentist’s office.
View more COVID-19 news as it pertains to the dental profession.