Addressing Pa.’s dental crisis: A call to action

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Pennsylvania residents are currently facing a dental crisis that has limited access to crucial oral health care services. This crisis can be attributed primarily to a shortage of dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants, resulting in an overwhelming supply-demand gap.  

As CEO and Chairman of the Verber Dental Group, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact this shortage has had on patients, as well as dental practices, across the state. Evidence exists to support the enormity of the problem.  The public health implications are frightening.  However, the silver lining is that the solution will present tremendous new opportunities for rewarding careers in the dental field for students who are looking for alternatives to four-year college degrees and burdensome student debt loads.  

Central Penn College, with its new Dental Assisting Program, Dental Treatment Coordination Program and pending Expanded Function Dental Assisting Program, is at the forefront of providing educational pathways to combat this crisis. 

 Limited Access to Dental Care 

The shortage of dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants in Pennsylvania has contributed significantly to the limited access to dental care. As the population continues to grow and age, the demand for dental services has outpaced the availability of qualified professionals. According to a March 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Pennsylvania had 163 Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.  The report found that nearly two million Pennsylvanians are without access to dental care.  The trend has worsened through the pandemic with increasing provider attrition and shortages.  The access to care issue has now extended beyond patients who are economically disadvantaged to private practices struggling to find hygienists and dental assistants.  A recent segment on ABC Channel 27 News was titled, “Think Taylor Swift tickets are tough?  Just try booking a dental hygiene appointment.” 

Not only is care harder to come by, but patient costs are also increasing as providers are raising fees and considering dropping participation with dental insurance plans.   

 Evidence Supporting the Crisis 

Multiple studies and reports have shed light on the severity of the dental crisis in Pennsylvania. In addition to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) designating several areas in the state as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, research highlights a dental hygienist-to-population ratio across Pennsylvania that falls below the levels recommended by dental organizations. 

These imbalances between supply and demand directly affect the ability of Pennsylvanians to receive routine preventive care and timely treatments.  According to the PA Coalition for Oral Health’s 2202 Access to Oral Health Workforce Report (Part II) and the corresponding Executive Summary, “Pennsylvania has lost a significant portion of its dental care workforce since 2015.”  The study demonstrated an average wait for a new patient dental appointment at “secret shopper” sites was 55 days and the average wait to treat a cavity was 99 days.  Wait times at Federally Qualified Health Centers were nearly twice as long. 

Interestingly, a research brief conducted by the American Dental Association, Projected Supply of Dentists in the United States, 2020 – 2040, reveals an increasing supply of dentists due to the opening of new dental schools and an uptick in graduates. However, without a sufficient number of dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants, these dentists are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive care to patients. 

 Shift in Focus and Oral Health Implications 

The shortage of dental hygienists has led to a shift in the focus of care from prevention to remediation, restoration, and reconstruction. Periodontal practices in the area, lacking team members to concentrate on prevention, have turned their attention to surgery and tooth replacement. This shift is concerning as oral health is directly linked to systemic health. Research has established connections between poor oral health and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, the dental crisis has broader implications for the overall health of our population.   Without a change in course, we are barreling down a road leading to an increase in systemic health issues, higher medical costs, and a population that is more vulnerable to disease and infection. 

 Opportunities for Students 

All is not lost.  The dental crisis in Pennsylvania presents an exceptional opportunity for students considering careers in dentistry as new educational programs emerge. By pursuing pathways towards dental careers, individuals can contribute to addressing this crisis while enjoying stable employment and competitive wages. Dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants are in high demand, with an anticipated growth rate of 20% and 11% respectively over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  This estimate is likely low as it fails to fully consider increased utilization of auxiliaries, expanding scopes of practice, and new opportunities for hygienists to work independently in some settings as Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioners. 

 Dental hygienists can earn an average salary of between $70,000 and $80,000 per year working full-time with an associate degree and minimal student debt. Similarly, expanded function dental assistants can earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year working full-time.  Many expanded function dental assisting pathways, like the proposed program at Central Penn College, allow individuals to gain a certificate and licensure while continuing to work full-time. 

 Central Penn College: Leading the Way 

Central Penn College recognizes the urgency of addressing the dental crisis and has taken a proactive step by introducing its Dental Assisting Program and Dental Treatment Coordination program. These programs equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to enter the dental field and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians. Central Penn College’s dental certificate programs offer college credits that can be used towards advanced degrees, providing students with the flexibility to continue their education in dental hygiene and expanded function dental assisting. 

The school has plans to launch The Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder Program for Extended Function Dental Assisting later in the year, pending approval from the State Board of Dentistry. 

The college has made a commitment to quality education with an emphasis on meeting the state’s health care needs.  Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, Central Penn College ensures that students are well-prepared to serve as competent dental professionals.  Moreover, Central Penn College’s programs offer students the unique opportunity to earn living wages working in dental offices while pursuing their education and living affordably on campus.  The College can accommodate students from across the state, including those from underserved communities. 

Michael C. Verber, DMD, is CEO & Chairman, Verber Dental Group, Board of Directors, Central Penn College