Abstract
This article details the MDA's efforts to address Michigan's dental hygienist shortage, which saw about 3,000 licensed RDHs leave the workforce since 2020. Initiatives include paid social media campaigns targeting potential and former RDHs, although enrollment impacts have been minimal. The MDA is also collaborating with hygiene schools, helping Ferris State University secure funding to double its size and working with North Central Michigan College to establish a new school. Discussions are underway to explore allowing internationally trained dentists to perform hygiene duties. Additionally, the MDA endorses MEDVA for virtual assistant staffing, promoting HIPAA-compliant human professionals who handle remote administrative tasks as a cost-effective solution to workforce challenges.
Recommended Citation
Sinacola, Rachel DDS
(2025)
"MDA At Your Service: What’s the MDA Doing to Help the Hygienist Shortage?,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
8, Article 5.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss8/5
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Dental Hygiene Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons
Submit Article
