Report finds dental practices struggling to hire even as professionals show broad interest in flexible work opportunities
Cloud Dentistry announced the results of its State of the Dental Industry 2026 Report, revealing a fundamental shift in how dental practices build their workforce. Eighty-four percent of responding offices cited finding qualified employees as their top hiring challenge, but it is no longer just about improving recruiting and hiring practices. Dental practices must also engage qualified professionals in the ways they prefer to work to retain employees.
Cloud Dentistry surveyed 1,311 platform users, including 1,181 dental professionals and 130 dental office and DSO representatives across the United States. More than 80% of professionals surveyed would consider same-day or short-notice employment bookings, 75.3% are open to working for a dental support organization full- or part-time, and 59% have no preference regarding practice type.
Despite the flexibility among dental professionals for short-notice work, 40% of responding offices still focus exclusively on full- or part-time employees, even as 43% report that it takes them more than a month to fill positions, and nearly two-thirds have needed same-day coverage. Many practices are beginning to adapt. Fifty-one percent prefer a mix of temporary and permanent staff, and nearly 60% have hired a temporary professional into a permanent role. Unlike many staffing platforms and agencies, Cloud Dentistry doesn’t charge a buyout fee, making it easier and more cost-effective for practices to hire professionals who started in temporary positions.
“The future of dental work is not temporary versus permanent,” said Trey Tepichin, CEO and co-founder of Cloud Dentistry. “Professionals want more control over their careers, and practices need teams that can adapt without compromising quality or continuity. Our job is to build the workforce infrastructure that makes both possible.”
For dental offices, building a stable team and using flexible staffing are not opposing strategies. Flexible professionals can help practices maintain patient schedules, give core employees meaningful time off and meet changing workforce needs. An initial booking assignment can also give both sides a chance to determine whether a long-term position is the right fit.
Cloud Dentistry serves more than 39,000 dental offices nationwide and maintains a fully background-checked network of dental hygienists, dental assistants, front-office professionals and dentists. The platform gives practices greater flexibility in managing immediate and long-term workforce needs while helping dental professionals find opportunities that align with their schedules and career goals. Cloud Dentistry does not charge permanent-placement or buyout fees when a practice hires a professional it first worked with through the platform.
The full State of the Dental Industry 2026 Report is available at https://go.clouddentistry.com/offices/dental-industry-report/
About Cloud Dentistry
Cloud Dentistry gives dental practices the workforce infrastructure they need to grow. As the industry’s largest and most trusted talent platform, Cloud Dentistry connects verified dental hygienists, assistants, front-office professionals, and dentists with practices that are hiring. With no buyout fees, professionals earn more while practices save on recruitment expenses. Through flexible staffing, AI-powered technology and advanced professional development solutions, Cloud Dentistry helps dental offices adapt to changing workforce demands while improving operational and financial performance. For more information, visit clouddentistry.com.
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"The future of dental work is not temporary versus permanent. Professionals want more control over their careers, and practices need teams that can adapt without compromising quality or continuity." Trey Tepichin, CEO and co-founder of Cloud Dentistry
