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Virginia Dental Journal

Abstract

This article discusses the ethical challenges and operational impacts of the nationwide dental hygienist shortage, with a focus on Virginia, which faces a significant deficit of over 1,000 full-time-equivalent hygienists. The shortage has led to increased workloads, reduced access to care, and pressure to compromise treatment standards. Dental professionals are urged to uphold ethical principles, including informed patient decision-making, transparency about staffing limitations, and adherence to legal scopes of practice. The article emphasizes the importance of collaborative, patient-centered solutions, such as reassessing scheduling models, supporting educational programs, and advocating for policy changes to address workforce shortages and improve access to care.

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