Ongoing critical staffing shortages for registered dental hygienists (RDHs) and dental assistants directly impact access to care. Though distinct in their causes and solutions, shortages in these two essential dental team roles pose a shared threat to patient care and practice sustainability.
Workforce factor and impacts
Dental assisting shortages in California, long evident before 2020, were significantly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many practices have struggled to restaff dental assisting positions, with dental assistant job openings projected to grow 16.5% by 2026 in California, more than double the national rate. CDA is using a multipronged approach to support members and grow the DA workforce by offering practical resources, expanding training opportunities and advancing legislative advocacy to address systemic barriers.
Dental hygiene educational programs are currently the only pathway to RDH licensure in California, and there is a growing mismatch between supply and demand. In April 2023, 95% of dentists reported difficulty hiring RDHs. The extensive scope of practice for RDHs in California and unique regulatory factors under a separate Dental Hygiene Board create additional complexities such as portability for internationally trained dentists. The hygiene shortage has been driven by several factors: lack of affordable local training options, faculty shortages, limited educational program capacity, rigid licensure pathways, wage-to-reimbursement misalignment, and high turnover and burnout.
Our workforce initiatives
Member Resources
A DA training roadmap is a practical toolkit to help practices hire, train and retain dental assistants. DA Online Training Curriculum offers interactive, on-demand learning.
Advocacy Wins
CDA successfully pushed legislation that expanded unlicensed DA scope of practice to improve team efficiency and expand care (e.g., coronal polishing).
CDA-sponsored legislation expanded new and streamlined existing pathways to licensure for RDAs, including preceptorships and out-of-state portability pathways.
California’s dental workforce shortages impact dentists’ ability to provide essential oral health care. CDA is driving progress on multiple fronts, from innovative training solutions like Smile Crew CA to policy wins that will open doors to meaningful dental team careers. Whether addressing DA or RDH issues, our focus remains on building a resilient dental workforce that meets the needs of all Californians.
Ongoing Workforce Advocacy
Advocating for fair reimbursement rates and meaningful benefits to ensure dental practices are compensated for the care provided that improves patient health.
Supporting new and expanding RDH education while monitoring potential closures or cohort reductions, enabling early intervention. Advocating for RDHs with associate degrees to more easily become program faculty.
Providing members with wellness resources and leadership development course offerings to support work-life balance and thriving dental teams.
Licensure Pathways
Pursuing alternative educational delivery models and licensure mobility for internationally trained dentists, dental students and experienced team members.
Education Affordability
Monitoring opportunities to leverage state and other funding sources (i.e., loan repayment, tuition subsidies) to offset educational program expenses.
Workforce Data & Monitoring
Conducting regular member surveys and workforce studies and sharing those insights with state policymakers to shape long-term solutions.