Abstract
Michigan's dental profession faces a severe workforce shortage, with 248 designated shortage areas. The Michigan Dental Association is prioritizing support for registered dental assistants (RDAs) to reverse this trend. The Dental Assisting National Board and DALE Foundation are actively developing solutions, including expanding certification pathways and removing access barriers. Locally, programs like North Central Michigan College and partnerships with institutions like Northwestern Michigan College are addressing the workforce shortage. Dentists can strengthen the profession by recognizing their team's contributions and encouraging education and certification for dental assistants.
Recommended Citation
Dawley, Joanne DDS, FAGD
(2023)
"Overcoming the Dental Assistant Shortage Starts Here,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 105:
No.
7, Article 4.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol105/iss7/4
Included in
Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Human Resources Management Commons, Leadership Commons
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