Dental profession unveils model to strengthen and grow dental assisting workforce
The Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup has published its recommendations for the Dental Assisting Professional Model, a framework that outlines proposed dental assisting levels, functions, pathways for education and training, and considerations for implementation. This landmark model provides a practical solution to the ongoing dental assistant workforce shortage.
The Workgroup included 20 dental professionals — dental assistants, dentists, educators, dental hygienists, and regulators — representing numerous leading dental associations and organizations.
The model was developed to address the shortage of qualified dental assistants by:
Providing a career road map to attract and retain more assistants
Enabling entry into the profession through either educational programs or on-the-job training
Improving professional mobility of dental assistants from state to state
Providing states and dental practices with a flexible, adaptable framework that reflects the needs of dentistry
The Workgroup developed the model throughout 2024 and circulated a draft to stakeholder groups, including national associations and organizations, state dental associations, state dental boards, DSOs, dental assistants, educators, and others in spring 2025. The Workgroup reviewed all feedback and made adjustments to the model based on stakeholder input.
Endorsements
The Dental Assisting Professional Model has earned endorsements from leading dental organizations that recognize its potential to strengthen the profession and build a consistent, qualified workforce. Their endorsement underscores the growing support for more professional uniformity — and invites others across dentistry to join in advancing this shared vision.
American Association of Dental Boards
American Dental Assistants Association
American Dental Education Association
American Network of Oral Health Coalitions
Association for Dental Safety
Aspen Dental
Dental Assisting National Board
Imagine Orthodontic Studio
Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health
Wyoming Professional Training
Contact us to learn more or to endorse the model.
Read about the Workgroup’s formation and progress: