Closing the Gap: Addressing Georgia’s Dental Hygiene Workforce Shortage

Georgia Dental Association's inaugural Closing the Gap: Dental Workforce and Access Luncheon took place at Southbound in Atlanta on Friday August 28, 2026. Part of a series of upcoming events focused on educating dentists and their local legislators about dental workforce policy, the event featured Matt Rossetto of the American Dental Association (ADA). Participants enjoyed a southern feast of BBQ brisket, banana pudding, and grits while learning about policy proposals in development around the country.

The main focus of the presentation was the dental hygiene shortage. ADA’s Health Policy Institute recently reported that only 60.3% of dentists report having adequate hygiene staff. Mr. Rossetto went on to discuss ideas for addressing the shortage. He offered explanations about the data and experience of states authorizing the practice of Oral Preventative Assistants and licensing internationally trained dentists as hygienists. He also reported on recent policy changes at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, noting that many of its policy priorities, such as one calling for a doctoral degree to become the entry-level credential for hygienists, would have adverse effects on the cost of and access to dental care. The presentation closed with a brief comment on developing policy related to the regulation of artificial intelligence. Janelle Adams, GDA’s Director of Government Affairs, and Jon Hoin, GDA’s Senior Health Policy Manager, gave a short brief on the components of GDA’s Legislative Agenda that relate to expanding and distributing Georgia’s dental hygiene workforce. In 2027, GDA plans to pursue student loan reimbursement options for those that seek employment in rural areas, funding to support programs prioritizing efforts that address the shortage in rural areas, and hygiene licensure for internationally trained dentists meeting specific criteria. Throughout the event, participants were able to ask questions to deepen their knowledge on the topic at hand.