What’s the No. 1 Headache for Canadian Dentists?

If you asked me what keeps me awake at night as a Canadian dentist, I wouldn’t hesitate to say it’s the talent shortage in our industry. Over the years, I’ve seen this problem grow from a minor inconvenience into a full-blown crisis that affects every aspect of my practice—from patient care to business sustainability.

Let me tell you a bit about my journey and why this headache hits harder than you might think.

The Growing Staff Shortage in Dentistry

A few years back, like many dentists in Canada, I was managing a pretty smooth-running practice. We had a reliable team of dental hygienists, assistants, and receptionists. Patients were happy, and things felt stable. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and everything changed.

One by one, team members started leaving or taking extended breaks. Some were worried about exposure to the virus, others reevaluated their career priorities during lockdowns. But the key issue was that many did not come back. It felt like overnight, the pipeline of qualified dental professionals had dried up.

I remember one particular week vividly. My trusted dental assistant called in sick, and I scrambled for a temp. Not a single agency could fill the spot. I realized then this was not just a temporary glitch—it was a serious, ongoing shortage.

“The pandemic didn’t create the shortage; it simply exposed the cracks we already had in the system.”

Why Is There Such a Shortage?

• Aging workforce: Many dental professionals are approaching retirement, and younger workers are fewer.
• Burnout: The pandemic intensified stress and burnout, causing some to leave the profession altogether.
• Limited training seats: Dental and dental hygiene schools can only admit so many students annually.
• Changing career preferences: Younger generations are exploring flexible or alternative careers outside traditional dentistry.

These factors combined create a perfect storm.

The Impact on Patient Care

The most frustrating part for me is how this shortage directly impacts patient care. When you’re short-staffed, appointment slots shrink. Patients wait longer for their cleanings, fillings, or checkups.

And it’s not just the quantity of appointments—it’s the quality. A rushed assistant or overworked hygienist can lead to mistakes, decreased patient satisfaction, and ultimately, harm to our reputation.
One patient told me once:
“I love coming to your clinic, but lately, I feel like things are moving too fast. It’s hard to get the attention I need.”
That really hit me. We’re in healthcare, after all — we owe our patients more than just speed.

How Are Dentists Coping?

In the face of this challenge, dentists have had to get creative:

• Cross-training staff: Training front desk personnel to assist with simple clinical tasks.
• Hiring internationally: Recruiting dental professionals from other countries, which often involves navigating complex credentialing and licensing.
• Improving work culture: Focusing on employee well-being to reduce burnout.
• Technology adoption: Using digital tools to streamline workflows and reduce staff workload.

While these solutions help, none completely fix the underlying shortage.

A Call for Industry-Wide Solutions

This isn’t a problem one clinic or dentist can solve alone. We need coordinated action:

• Expanding educational opportunities for dental careers.
• Government support for international credentialing.
• Better mental health resources for dental professionals.
• Creating awareness about dentistry as a rewarding career path.

As one industry expert put it:
“If we want to sustain quality dental care for Canadians, addressing the workforce shortage has to be our collective priority.”

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. The dental community is resilient, and I’ve seen remarkable efforts to adapt and innovate. But until the staffing shortage eases, this will remain the No. 1 headache for Canadian dentists like me.

If you’re a patient reading this, know that we’re working hard to keep your smiles bright even when the going gets tough. And if you’re considering a career in dental care, there’s never been a better time to join us—you’ll be making a real difference.

Popular FAQs About the Dental Staff Shortage in Canada

Q1: Why are so many dental assistants and hygienists leaving their jobs?
A: Many cite burnout, stressful work environments, and pandemic-related concerns. Some also pursue other career opportunities or retire.

Q2: How long does it take to train a dental hygienist or assistant in Canada?
A: Dental hygienist programs typically take 2-3 years, while dental assistant training can range from several months to 2 years depending on certification.

Q3: Can international dental professionals work easily in Canada?
A: It’s possible but challenging. They must pass credential evaluations, licensing exams, and often complete bridging programs.

Q4: How does the staff shortage affect patients?
A: It can lead to longer wait times, fewer appointment slots, and sometimes reduced quality of care due to overworked staff.

Q5: What can dental clinics do to attract and keep staff?
A: Improving work culture, offering competitive pay, providing professional development opportunities, and prioritizing staff well-being can help.When I first opened my practice in Toronto at Carrot HCP over a decade ago, I assumed that, like many Canadian dentists, my biggest challenge would be perfecting clinical skills or managing nervous patients. Turns out, I was wrong. The real, unrelenting headache—the one that keeps me up at night—is staffing.