The Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) is taking steps to address the urgent need for more oral health providers in Nova Scotia – particularly dental hygienists and assistants.
There are currently more than 100 job postings on the NSDA website for dental hygienists, assistants and assorted dental office support staff in Nova Scotia, with the understanding many more positions are likely open and unfilled.
“Nova Scotia doesn’t in fact have a shortage of dentists,” said NSDA President Dr. Caleb Porter. “Instead, it’s more of a distribution issue with dentists, than a real overall shortage. What we do have a real shortage of – across the province in both urban and rural areas – are dental hygienists and dental assistants.”
These workforce challenges, coupled with increased demand associated with the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, are contributing to longer wait times for patients seeking routine care. Even in areas where dentist supply is relatively stable, limited availability of hygienists and assistants is constraining overall practice capacity.
To help fill these openings, the NSDA is hosting FutureDent: Dental Careers and Job Expo Saturday, March 28 to support dentists seeking essential employees and students preparing to enter the oral health workforce.
The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, Halifax and will bring together high school students, current dental careers program students (dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assisting), post-secondary graduates, and employers to explore rewarding careers in the dental sector. Employers, educators, and regulators will share insights, information, and connect with the next generation of dental professionals.
“Currently there are 35 offices actively seeking to hire at least one dental assistant and 61 offices looking to hire a dental hygienist. Many others have quietly retired their job postings after months of effort and little response,” said Dr. Porter. “FutureDent will bring all the players under one roof. Hopefully this event will help us start filling these oral health care job openings so Nova Scotians can receive the essential dental care they deserve in a timely and effective manner.”
Media Contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Nova Scotia Dental Association
902-240-9007
communications.nsda@bellaliant.com