Training for dental assistants and hygienists needs to be updated to keep up with the industry, according to one dentist.
Michael Perpich, DDS, a dentist at Northland Smiles in Deerwood and Little Falls, Minn., recently spoke with Becker's about the changes he wants to see in the dental industry within the next five years.
Editor's note: This response was lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What changes would you like to see in the dental industry in the next five years?
Dr. Michael Perpich: I would like the dental industry to come up with alternatives in dental assisting and dental hygiene education. The current dental hygiene and assisting [training] is outdated and no longer relevant in the way dental practice is in 2023. They are teaching techniques from the '80s that are not used in 2023.