Mandatory education and credentialing for dental assistants: is it the answer to the manpower crisis?

Abstract

One reason for the nationwide shortage of dental assistants is lack of professional recognition. This lack of recognition stems from the fact that, unlike dentistry and dental hygiene, dental assisting has no nationally standardized, mandatory requirements for education and credentialing. Dentists acknowledge that the lack of professional recognition is a reason dental assistants frequently give for leaving the profession, as well as a barrier for potential assistants who might enter the profession.