The US dental industry is grappling with significant staffing shortages, particularly in administrative roles. As of late 2024, approximately 59.5 million people reside in dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), highlighting the need for dental professionals nationwide.1 In the first quarter of 2024, the average wait time for new patients seeking an appointment was about two weeks (14.6 days).2 Modern technology presents practical solutions to help fill administrative gaps and streamline operations.
The nature of work in dentistry is changing. Remote work and flexible staffing models are becoming critical components of a sustainable workforce. At Edge, our recruitment platform connects practices with remote support staff, reducing the workload of on-site teams. Strategically deploying remote workers frees up in-office personnel to focus on patient care.
One of the ways technology helps address staffing shortages is through expanded talent access. Recruitment platforms provide practices with access to geographically diverse candidates, many of whom are equipped to handle administrative, billing, and scheduling tasks remotely. For rural or underserved areas, this can keep employees from having to relocate.
Remote teams in dentistry
Historically, remote roles were limited to back-office functions. However, the scope of remote contributions is expanding rapidly. Technology allows practices to offload more complex tasks—such as insurance verification, patient
follow-ups, and compliance documentation—to trained professionals working from anywhere. Cloud-based management tools ensure seamless collaboration between in-office and remote staff, optimizing workflows. Consequently, dentists and hygienists can dedicate more time to patient care, reducing burnout and providing higher patient satisfaction.
Streamlining recruitment
Modern recruitment platforms are reshaping how practices find new talent. Unlike traditional job boards or agency models, platforms like Edge allow practices to quickly match with candidates whose qualifications align with their needs. By automating résumé reviews, initial screenings, and interview scheduling, these platforms significantly reduce the time-to-hire.
Tech-driven platforms also support long-term workforce planning. Data analytics help predict staffing needs, identify patterns in turnover, and implement strategies to improve retention. This ensures that practices stay ahead of potential shortages, rather than scrambling to fill vacancies. Edge has maintained a retention rate of up to 97% among placed candidates.3
Training and upskilling
Another benefit of integrating technology into recruitment is upskilling. Remote training modules, webinars, and virtual mentorship programs enable staff to develop new skills without leaving their current roles. Upskilling isn’t limited to clinical staff—administrative teams also benefit from training in new technologies, billing systems, and communication tools.
A human-centric approach
While technology can enhance recruitment and operational efficiency, it must be implemented thoughtfully. Dental practices are inherently people-focused, and any tech solution should complement human interactions, not replace them. Practices that integrate technology successfully often do so by combining automation with human oversight. For instance, recruitment platforms can handle candidate screening, but final hiring decisions remain with practice managers. Practices should be mindful of potential biases in tech-driven hiring processes. Ensuring fairness requires ongoing evaluation of recruitment tools and collaboration with platform providers to fine-tune algorithms.
Future-proofing dentistry
As the industry changes, flexibility will be key to long-term success. Practices that embrace remote working models and tech-driven recruitment processes are better positioned to adapt to shifting patient needs, workforce trends, and economic conditions.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the June 2025 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
