Dental Assistants Are Sounding the Alarm: Here’s How Practices Can Respond in 2026

In celebration of Dental Assistants Recognition Week…

The 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report by DentalPost shows us a mixed reality in the dental field. More doctors work at private practices (which is great), more hygienists are satisfied with their current practice and pay (amazing), but the one group that deserves more pay and recognition is actually trending poorly. Yes, you guessed it right: it’s the Dental Assistants!

Dental assistants are the backbone of clinical flow, and the 2026 DentalPost Salary Survey shows they’re also the group under the most strain. Even with wages rising, dental assistants reported the steepest declines in satisfaction across every category, and nearly half say they’re considering leaving within the next two years. If we want stability in dentistry, we can’t treat DA retention like a hiring problem. It’s a culture + growth opportunity problem.

• Only 27% of dental assistants reported being satisfied with compensation (down from the prior year).
• 47% said they’re considering leaving in the next two years.
• DentalPost’s own breakdown calls the across-the-board DA satisfaction slide a “flashing red light.”

The report also makes it clear that the core issues aren’t only about pay:

• The report shows wages moved, but expectations/workload + benefits + control didn’t keep pace.
• Many assistants have limited control over pace/schedule while responsibility expands (a turnover accelerant).
• Translation: practices need a system that says, “Here’s how you grow here – and here’s what growth earns.”

After reading the report, I was surprised there aren’t more practical resources to help solve this. Yes, there are podcasts and consultants, but it all feels scattered and complicated. Let’s go beyond donuts, $50 gift cards, and quick shout-outs in the huddle. Let’s use the week to build a real career ladder, commit to clear growth conversations, and align compensation with progression. Recognition feels real when it comes with a path.

So I decided to do something about it.

Celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week 2026

First of all, let’s start with appreciation.

During Dental Assistants Recognition Week this year, March 1–7, we will be hosting several webinars to address each issue individually and propose solutions that dentists and practice owners can implement right away.

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* Webinar details, event details, dates, speakers are subject to change as we are trying to get this done pretty quickly.