Results from HPI’s most recent wave of its COVID-19 Economic Impact poll, collected the week of November 15, show hope among the ongoing challenges faced by dentists across the U.S.

Highlights from wave 31 of polling include:

• Patient volume is at 91%, the highest since polling began in March 2020
• The share of dentists hiring for dental hygienists and assistants continues to increase — along with the challenges associated with recruiting for these positions
• One in three dentists say they need more staff to see the same number of patients compared to pre-pandemic
• The majority of dentists indicated that the price of surgical masks has at least doubled, and 47% indicated gloves have at least tripled in cost since the onset of the pandemic
• In general, younger dentists have greater confidence in the recovery and a greater intent to hire and invest in new equipment and technology in the coming months