Cloud Dentistry Survey Examines Staffing Challenges and Flexible Work

Platform users report hiring difficulties alongside interest in temporary, short-notice and permanent employment options.

By
News Staff
September 23, 2026

Inside Dentistry

Overview

The Cloud Dentistry State of the Dental Industry 2026 Report reveals significant staffing challenges in dental practices, with 84% of offices citing difficulty in finding qualified employees. The survey highlights a growing interest among dental professionals in flexible working arrangements, including same-day bookings and positions with dental service organizations.

Background

Staffing challenges in dentistry have intensified, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a notable shortage of dental hygienists, assistants, and front office staff. The Cloud Dentistry survey provides insights into the current staffing landscape and the preferences of dental professionals regarding work arrangements.

Data Highlights

Finding	Percentage
Offices identifying hiring challenges	84%
Professionals open to same-day bookings	80%
Professionals willing to work for a DSO	75.3%
Offices focusing on full/part-time employees	40%
Offices taking over a month to fill positions	43%
Offices preferring a mix of staffing types	51%

Key Findings

84% of dental offices reported difficulty in finding qualified employees.
More than 80% of dental professionals would consider same-day or short-notice bookings.
75.3% of professionals were open to working for a DSO, either full- or part-time.
40% of offices focused exclusively on full- or part-time employees.
43% of offices indicated that filling positions takes more than a month.
51% of offices preferred a combination of temporary and permanent staff.

Clinical Implications

Dental practices may need to adapt their staffing strategies to address ongoing recruitment challenges. Emphasizing flexible work arrangements could attract more professionals to the field and help mitigate staffing shortages.

Conclusion

The findings from the Cloud Dentistry survey underscore the pressing staffing challenges in the dental industry and highlight the need for innovative staffing solutions to ensure quality care.