Cloud Dentistry has released its State of the Dental Industry 2026 Report, examining hiring challenges and attitudes toward flexible staffing among dental professionals, dental offices, and dental service organizations (DSOs). The company surveyed 1,311 users of its platform across the United States, including 1,181 dental professionals and 130 representatives of dental offices and DSOs. Among responding offices, 84% identified finding qualified employees as their top hiring challenge.
The survey also found interest in different working arrangements among participating dental professionals. More than 80% said they would consider same-day or short-notice bookings, 75.3% were open to working for a DSO either full- or part-time, and 59% reported no preference regarding practice type.
Among participating offices, 40% reported focusing exclusively on full- or part-time employees, while 43% said filling positions takes more than a month. Nearly two-thirds reported having needed same-day staffing coverage.
The survey also examined the relationship between temporary and permanent staffing. According to Cloud Dentistry, 51% of responding offices preferred a combination of temporary and permanent staff, while nearly 60% had hired a temporary professional into a permanent position.
“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.”
Cloud Dentistry provides staffing services for dental hygienists, dental assistants, front-office professionals, and dentists. According to the company, its platform serves more than 39,000 dental offices nationwide, and professionals within its network undergo background checks. The company does not charge permanent-placement or buyout fees when a practice hires a professional with whom it initially connected through the platform.
More information and the full State of the Dental Industry 2026 Report are available at https://go.clouddentistry.com/offices/dental-industry-report/.
