Dental assistants are a vital part of the industry, providing patient care, taking X-rays, keeping records and scheduling appointments.

Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services is launching a college advancement program, making it the first DSO to offer eligible employees 100 percent tuition coverage for an undergraduate degree of choice, according to an Oct. 26 news release.

Four leaders shared their thoughts on the biggest challenge their organization is currently facing during Becker's Dental + DSO Review Virtual Forum on Oct. 14.

One Houston-based dental practice has been operating with a quarter of its staff out, and other practices in East Texas are experiencing similar staff shortages during the pandemic, KLTV, an ABC affiliate, reported Sept. 28.

Several schools have added or are considering new dental programs to address workforce challenges, such as provider shortages and diversity.

As the dental industry evolves under growing DSO presence, new technology and CMS changes, many dentists are wondering what the field will look like in the next five years.

Dentists affiliated with DSOs compared to those who are not are experiencing significantly different recruiting challenges, according to poll findings from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.