Atlanta-based Georgia School of Orthodontics graduated its largest class from its advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Commission held its initial meeting, marking the first time the 10 states that approved the compact gathered to discuss the commission.

Colorado Mountain College Vail Valley at Edwards launched a new dental hygiene program and opened a new facility for the program, according to an Aug. 22 report by Vail Daily.

Grants Pass, Ore.-based Rogue Community College received accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation for its new dental hygiene program.

Several companies have announced layoffs over the last year to help recover from certain challenges and drive operational performance. 

Eatontown, N.J.-based ACI Medical & Dental School is set to graduate the largest class in its 19-year history, according to an Aug. 14 report by NJBIA.

Increased flexibility with dental licensure could bring about a new challenge with workforce shortages. 

Here are six recent stories covered by Becker's highlighting the state of workforce shortages and how these shortages are affecting dentistry: 

Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental and Concorde Career Colleges are partnering to open campuses to train dental hygienists and dental assistants. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a number of bills into law July 24, including one that enters the state into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

Kwikly Dental Staffing completed a series A fundraising round, led by an investment from Effingham, Ill.-based Heartland Dental.

The Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning Act has been introduced in the Senate, which provides further funding to create and expand dental provider pipelines.

South Texas College in McAllen is developing an associate of applied science in dental hygiene program, funded by a $1 million grant.

Bismarck (N.D.) State College received approval to offer associate degree programs for dental hygiene and dental assisting, according to a July 11 report by Prairie Public Broadcasting.

Dental practices in Virginia are facing scheduling backlogs due to a shortage of both dental hygienists and dental educators, according to a July 1 report by WAVY 10.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen wrote a letter to the Nebraska Board of Dentistry, asking the board to change its licensing standards to recruit more dentists to the state, according to a June 26 report by 1011Now.

The ongoing workforce challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic could continue affecting dentistry for at least a few more years as practice owners and industry executives find the best ways to retain staff.

Watertown, S.D.-based Lake Area Technical College is creating an associate of applied sciences program in dental hygiene.

Here are six dental schools that have launched scholarships, created programs and more to help alleviate workforce issues in the dental industry that Becker's has reported on since March 29:

The University of Pikeville (Ky.) partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical in Kentucky to create a scholarship program for its upcoming dental school.