Combating dental hygienist shortage

Montana may be facing a worsening dental hygienist shortage, despite increases in the number of hygienists practicing in the state.

National dental hygienist employment levels have yet to rebound since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news report from 3KRTV. As a result of the shortage, Great Falls College — the only accredited dental hygiene program in Montana — has worked to expand its dental hygiene program.

The program now accepts 35 students, up from 18 in 2020, some of whom have come from outside the state. Following a two-year program, the graduates can begin practicing across Montana. However, there are still a low number of dental hygienists practicing in more rural regions of the state, where patients have greater unmet dental needs.

Read more: 3KRTV

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