Let’s face it, the dental industry has always been fast-paced, high-pressure, and hands-on. But in recent years, the cracks in the system have started to show, and burnout is rising fast among hygienists and dental assistants.

GoTu’s 2025 State of Work Report surveyed over 3,500 dental professionals nationwide, including those working in practices just like yours. The results were eye-opening:

● 63% of dental hygienists and 56% of dental assistants say they’ve experienced burnout

● Nearly half haven’t received a raise in over two years

● Most say they’re actively looking for better pay, more flexibility, and healthier work environments

This isn’t just a people problem. It’s a practice problem. And it’s quietly costing offices more than they may realize.

Burnout Doesn’t Just Affect Individuals, It Affects Everyone

When a dental professional is experiencing burnout, it doesn’t stay hidden. It spills into the patient experience, affects team morale, and disrupts the flow of daily operations. You may notice more absences, increased turnover, lower productivity, and a decline in overall enthusiasm for patient care, along with rising recruitment costs.

The reality is that even your most dedicated team members, the ones who truly love what they do, are not immune. Without the right support, flexibility, and recognition, anyone can reach a breaking point.

Why Burnout is Happening in the Dental Industry

Dental professionals are passionate, skilled, and resilient, but many feel stretched too thin by the demands of the job. While the State of Work report doesn’t name specific causes of burnout, it highlights patterns that point to deeper issues long hours, limited scheduling flexibility, slow wage growth, minimal benefits, and challenges within office culture. These pressures add up, leaving professionals feeling overworked, under-supported, and increasingly disconnected from the careers they once loved.

What Dental Offices Can Do to Make a Difference

Burnout isn’t an unsolvable problem. Offices that take steps to support their teams are seeing better retention, smoother operations, and stronger patient relationships.

Here’s where you can start:

1. Revisit your scheduling

Is there room for more flexibility? Could you offer half-day Fridays, alternate start times, or rotating shifts? Even small changes can improve work-life balance and show your team that their time matters.

2. Prioritize compensation transparency

The data shows that nearly half of hygienists and assistants haven’t seen a raise in two years. Annual reviews, structured pay increases, and even modest bonuses can go a long way in keeping staff motivated and appreciated.

3. Foster a supportive culture

Encourage open communication. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and feedback loops help professionals feel heard and supported. When people feel safe to speak up, it strengthens the entire team.

4. Invest in growth

Offer continuing education stipends. Set up peer mentoring. Create clear paths for advancement. The more your team sees a future at your practice, the more likely they are to stay and grow with you.

Don’t Let Burnout Be the Norm

Burnout may be common, but it’s not inevitable. As the dental industry continues to evolve, practices that embrace change and prioritize their people will be the ones that thrive.

At GoTu, we’re seeing more and more dental professionals choosing temporary and flexible work as a way to reclaim balance and avoid burnout. That’s why we partner with offices to provide access to a reliable, high-quality network of hygienists and assistants, without the stress of traditional recruiting.

If your team is feeling stretched thin or you’re looking for a smarter way to manage staffing gaps, GoTu is here to help.

Because when dental professionals thrive, dental practices do too.