The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) recently featured an article on how the Dental Assistant shortage is affecting the profession. At ACI Medical & Dental School, conveniently located in Eatontown, NJ, you can train to become a Dental Assistant in under four months with certification by the DANB. As an added value to our students, our program also includes Dental Radiology licensing.
Here is a look at how Dental Assistants can navigate the staffing shortage and use it to advocate for themselves.
Navigating The Dental Assistant Shortage: How To Stand Out And Speak Up
Dental practices across the country are still feeling the effects of a staffing shortage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the ADA, over 70% of dentists said it was challenging to hire new Dental Assistants. For current and aspiring Dental Assistants, this situation has two impacts: heavier day-to-day demands and real opportunities to grow, specialize, and negotiate higher pay.
Increased Workloads For Dental Assistants
With fewer assistants on the schedule, Dental Assistants are finding themselves performing additional tasks. You might prep more rooms, sterilize more instruments, assist in back-to-back operatories, and help train new hires. That pace can be challenging, so it pays to be organized, proactive, and clear about your limits.
Guarding Against Burnout
This added responsibility can start to wear on a Dental Assistant. According to the DANB article, many DAs are finding themselves doing extra work without any acknowledgment or compensation.
If you feel like you are stretched too thin, say so early and professionally. Schedule a quick check-in with your manager to discuss your workload and set realistic goals. Ask for specific support, like help during peak hours or a structured assignment list.
If recognition or compensation has not kept up with responsibility, raise that with your manager and come prepared with examples of the added duties you have taken on.
Turning The Added Workload Into Career Growth
The extra responsibilities during the shortage have accelerated job growth for many DAs. The DANB found that Dental Assistants during this shortage are pursuing:
- Expanded functions credentials to increase their scope of practice.
- Leadership responsibilities like mentoring new hires, coordinating room flow, or managing inventory.
Both of these paths can make you more valuable to your practice and usually result in higher pay.
Using The Increased Demand To Advocate For Yourself
Dental Assistants are in very high demand, with 37.5% of private practices actively hiring them. If you are asking for a raise or interviewing for an open position, you can use this to your advantage.
Make sure to document the impact you are having on the dental practice by tracking your added responsibilities. If an offer comes in below expectations, ask about total compensation, not just the hourly rate. Find out about benefits, CE support, or other bonuses. Many practices remain highly motivated to hire and retain strong Dental Assistants, which gives you extra negotiating power.
ACI Medical & Dental School Can Help You Succeed
Students and career-changers can use this moment to enter the field with momentum:
- Certification-focused training. Build the clinical skills and radiology readiness employers expect on day one.
- Internship experience. Practice real-world room setup, sterilization, digital x-rays, and four-handed dentistry in real dental settings so you can contribute immediately.
- Career support. Get help with resumes, interview preparation, and how to discuss compensation confidently and professionally with our Career Assistance Program.
The shortage has increased workloads, but it has also expanded the runway for advancement. Protect your well-being, keep growing your skills, and use evidence to negotiate. With focused training and a clear voice, Dental Assistants can turn today’s staffing gap into tomorrow’s career advantage.
Want to learn more about becoming a Dental Assistant? Contact ACI Medical & Dental School today!
