🦷 Wisconsin’s Dental Staffing Shortage: What It Means for Your Career

If you’ve ever thought about working in the dental field, right now is one of the best times to make it happen — especially here in Wisconsin.

Across the state, dentists are facing a major staffing shortage, and one of the biggest gaps is in dental assisting. Offices are struggling to find trained team members, and it’s starting to affect how quickly patients can get care.

That challenge for the industry means a huge opportunity for you.

💡 What’s Actually Happening in Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, large parts of the state are now considered Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas — meaning there simply aren’t enough trained dental professionals to meet demand.

A 2024 Associated Press report highlighted that over 160 Wisconsin communities are affected by dental staffing shortages. The state has even launched new initiatives to train and recruit dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental therapists to close the gap.

And it’s not just Wisconsin — the American Dental Association (ADA) found that three out of five dental practices nationwide are struggling to hire or keep dental staff.

So yes — this shortage is real, and it’s happening right now.

🎓 Why This Matters for Students Like You

If you’ve been considering a career in dental assisting, the timing couldn’t be better. With so many job openings, trained assistants are in high demand — and that means more opportunities, faster hiring, and strong long-term career potential.

Even better? You don’t need to spend years in school to get started.

That’s where Accelerated Academy comes in.

⚙️ The Fast-Track Way to Start Your Career

Our 10-week dental assisting program is designed to give you all the essential skills you need — without the years of tuition or waitlists that come with traditional tech schools.

Here’s what makes it different:

• 🏥 Hands-on learning: Classes are held inside real Wisconsin dental offices — not just classrooms.
• 📅 Saturday schedule: Flexible for people who work or go to school during the week.
• 🧠 Career-focused training: You’ll learn X-rays, sterilization, chairside assisting, patient care, and more.
• 🤝 Connections that count: Many of our students get hired by the same offices they train in.

In short — it’s practical, fast, and designed around your success.

📈 So... Will I Really Get a Job?

With the right training and "Can Do" attitude, Yes — and the numbers back it up!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assisting jobs will grow by 6% nationally through 2034, with nearly 53,000 openings per year from growth and retirements.

Here in Wisconsin, dental offices have been vocal about how difficult it is to hire. By completing a hands-on program, you’ll graduate with the experience practices are looking for — and that makes you a top candidate.

💬 What Our Students Say

“I had the pleasure of working with, a career counselor at the Dental Academy, and was so impressed by her professionalism and efficiency. She guided me clearly through every step. Her expertise and positive attitude made the process seamless — I feel confident moving forward thanks to her help. Highly recommend!!”
— Accelerated Academy Graduate, Appleton

“IADAA has been the best! Everyone is the sweetest and helps where I have needed help. I will always recommend them to someone who wants to further there education into becoming a Dental Assistant!.”
— Accelerated Academy Student, Appleton

🌟 Where You Can Train

Accelerated Academy programs are now offered in partnership with Dental Associates at:

• Green Bay
• Kenosha
• Waukesha
• Franklin
• Appleton

These programs were created to help fill local workforce needs — while helping students launch rewarding, stable careers right in their own communities.

🚀 Take the First Step Toward a Career That Matters

If you’re ready to start a career that’s hands-on, people-focused, and in demand, this is your chance to do it without spending years in school.

Learn more about our 10-week Dental Assisting Program in Wisconsin at AcceleratedAcademy.us or call 1-844-727-3755 to talk with our admissions team.

The need is real. The timing is right.
And your career could be next.

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