Clever Ways States Are Addressing The Dental Workforce Shortage | WOM 007

The Dental Workforce Crisis: Laws That Are Changing Everything in 2026The dental labor market is broken — and lawmakers across the country are scrambling to fix it. In this episode of the Word of Mouth Podcast, Jeff and Sarah break down the biggest legislative moves shaping the future of dental workforce access, from state-level creative solutions to a rare bipartisan win in Congress.In this episode:📊 ADA Workforce Report — 4 in 10 practices can't find hygienists, 63.7 million Americans live in dental deserts, and the "old way" of staffing is officially dead🏛️ Indiana HB 1254 — A creative new law allowing foreign-trained dentists to enter the workforce as hygienists, plus updated nitrous oxide certification rules🌴 Florida's Dental Therapist Bill — A promising mid-level provider bill that passed the House but stalled in the Senate (and why it matters that 15 other states already have them)💰 Action for Dental Health Act — Congress just voted 391-32 to renew $20M in federal grants for mobile dental clinics and workforce recruitment through 2028The key takeaway? Where there's a gap, there's an opportunity — and right now, the gaps in dentistry are massive.Resources mentioned:ADA HPI Workforce Report → https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dental-practice-research/dental-workforce-shortagesIndiana HB 1254 → https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1254/detailsFlorida HB 363 Coverage → https://floridapolitics.com/archives/783135-no-dental-therapists-this-year-after-bill-tackling-oral-health-care-shortage-pulled-in-senate/Action for Dental Health Act → https://decisionsindentistry.com/2026/03/house-reauthorizes-action-for-dental-health-act-to-strengthen-workforce-and-expand-access/🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and wherever you listen.The Word of Mouth Podcast — Business, trends, and news shaping the face of dentistry.