The dental field or landscape is continuously evolving with many factors at play, like changing employment trends, tech advancements, and the ever-evolving patient needs and expectations. 

Against this backdrop, the dental industry is surely in for a surprising ride both in 2024 and beyond. As the industry evolves with increasing dental services demand and a growing job market, both qualified and aspiring dental professionals, as well as hiring managers will be impacted. No wonder the dental services market will grow with a whopping CAGR of 9.6%, reaching from 415 billion US dollars in 2024 to 863 billion US dollars by 2032. 

So, whether you are a hiring manager on the lookout for top talent or a dental professional having a desire to carve out your specific niche, understanding these trends is imperative for success. Here’s an article that can help you with that. It will cover trends, statistics, and more to help you thrive in this dynamic and competitive landscape. Read along.

The Growing Demand for Dental Professionals

As we look ahead, the demand for dental services is projected to rise significantly, thanks to how people are coming back in scores now that the world is almost done with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dentists is expected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032. More notably (good news for dental hygienists), they are forecasted to experience a 19% increase in job opportunities over the next decade. 

Wondering what is this surge driven by? Several factors are causing it, such as:

1. Aging Population

The baby boomer demographic is aging, leading to increased dental care needs. Research shows it is creating ripple effects in different specialties of the medical field. 

2. Rising Awareness

There is a growing public awareness of the importance of oral health. This has prompted more individuals to seek preventive and cosmetic dental services.

3. Technological Advancements

Innovations in dental technology are making treatments more efficient and accessible. People having dental anxiety are no longer postponing or dodging their dental employment because of advancements in procedures and sedation dentistry.  

Employment Trends and Job Market Dynamics

With the rise of patients’ interest in dental services, what follows along is the rise in staffing requirements to meet patient needs. The result? A dental job market whose growth knows no bounds. But that’s not the only driver; the rapidly evolving job market is influenced by various other trends, too, such as:

• Shift Towards Group Practices

There has been a notable decline in solo practices, with the percentage of dentists working independently dropping from 61% in 2010 to 46% in 2020. This shift suggests a growing preference for collaborative environments that may offer better support and resources. Here’s a table that shows how more and more dentists preferred affiliations with DSO with time:

• Geographic Disparities

Job opportunities vary significantly by region. For instance, California has observed a 14% increase in dental job postings, while states like Texas and Florida report consistent demand with a 9% rise. You can also understand this in light of how more people around you are now visiting dentists for aesthetic needs, especially when you are living in a busy city. 

Urban areas often provide more opportunities but come with increased competition compared to rural settings, which may face shortages of dental professionals. 

• Emerging Specializations

Certain areas within dentistry are seeing heightened demand. Specializations such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry are particularly sought after due to their specialized skill sets. 

Compensation Trends

Compensation within the dental field has also seen noteworthy changes. 

• Average Income

The average income for general dentists rose by 3.72%, reaching approximately $300,273 in 2023. 

• Hourly Wage

Dental hygienists have experienced an increase in their hourly wage to about $45.75, while dental assistants now earn an average of $25.21 per hour. 

However, despite these increases, there is a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction among staff regarding compensation relative to the rising cost of living. That’s because salary increases are lagging when compared to how fast inflation is causing an impact on everyday life expenses. Many dental professionals are thus actively seeking better pay or improved working conditions.

The Impact of Technology on Dental Employment

Technological advancements are reshaping everything around us and the case is no different when it comes to job roles within dentistry either. Here are some trends that prove it: 

• Digital Dentistry

Tools such as 3D printing and advanced imaging techniques are revolutionizing treatment plans and diagnostics.

• Teledentistry

The rise of remote consultations has expanded access to care. It’s particularly beneficial for patients in underserved areas.

• Digital Temp Agencies 

Hiring and finding dental jobs have become easy-breezy with the advancements in technology. There’s a growing trend of using digital temp agencies to fill in temporary positions and meet evolving staffing needs in the field of dentistry.  

• AI Integration

Artificial intelligence is enhancing diagnostic procedures and patient management systems, requiring dental professionals to adapt their skill sets accordingly. Did you know AI can help you diagnose plaque and gingivitis with 99% accuracy and 47% in other cases? Well, research proves that!

Conclusion

Finally, it won’t be remiss to say that the dental job market in 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities. With increasing demand for services driven by demographic shifts and technological advancements, there is a clear need for adaptability among professionals and hiring managers alike. As you move forward, embracing innovation and prioritizing patient-centered care will be crucial.

To beat the odds of failure, whether you are a dental professional seeking jobs or a manager on the lookout for top talent, partnering with a dental staffing agency that fully understands your needs can be your best bet. Discover how Tempfind can help you navigate this changing landscape of dentistry and make sure you thrive while trends come and go!

Guest writer.