The dental industry is shifting—and it’s about time we had an honest, constructive conversation about where we’re headed. Change can be uncomfortable, but it can also be empowering. Today, we want to talk about how every role in the dental profession is evolving—and how, when we rise together, everyone wins.
Meet the Oral Preventative Assistant (OPA)
In many states, with 120 additional hours of approved training, dental assistants can now legally perform supra-gingival scaling. It’s a new designation—Oral Preventative Assistant (OPA)—and yes, it might ruffle a few feathers. But here’s the truth: the future of dentistry depends on all of us being open to change.
Let’s approach this conversation with kindness, respect, and curiosity—not criticism.
We’re not advocating for shortcuts.
We’re advocating for growth.
The Problem: A Perfect Storm Hit Dentistry
When the pandemic swept across the world, many seasoned hygienists chose to retire—some early, some on schedule. The result? A massive shortage in the hygiene workforce, one that’s still being felt today.
Many dental practices were left scrambling without a hygienist on staff.
Here’s what happened next:
– Hygienists still in the field were in such high demand, they could (and did) double their salaries.
– Many private practices couldn’t compete with the new pay rates and had to operate without a hygienist.
– Dentists were forced to either do cleanings themselves or turn patients away.
Something had to give. And something did.
The Solution: Train, Elevate, and Evolve
Enter the OPA. Dental assistants—already the backbone of so many practices—are stepping up. And with proper education, they’re stepping into expanded roles that improve access, increase efficiency, and elevate care.
Let’s be clear: this is not about replacing hygienists.
It’s about reimagining the system to better serve both patients and professionals.
And it’s not just assistants who’ve been held back. In many states, hygienists have faced serious limitations. Georgia, for example, only recently allowed hygienists to give block anesthesia. Why did it take so long? Why do we gatekeep advancement?
If hygienists deserve more autonomy with the right training—why not assistants?
The Double Standard in Dentistry
This isn’t the first time professional roles have evolved—and faced resistance.
When general dentists began placing implants, doing surgical extractions, and offering ortho services, it sent shockwaves through the specialties. But progress didn’t stop—and neither should we.
We have the systems. We have the training. What we need now is collaboration, not conflict.
There’s More Than Enough Room for Everyone
Let’s look at the numbers: 50% of Americans don’t even have a dentist. The need is overwhelming. We’re not competing for a slice of a limited pie—we’re trying to feed a nation starving for care.
Advancement shouldn’t be exclusive. It should be inclusive.
Let’s open doors for:
– Assistants who want to grow.
– Hygienists who want to reach further.
– EFDAs who want to lead chairside care.
– Dentists who want to delegate, lead, and scale.
And let’s not pretend we live in a vacuum. With the cost of living skyrocketing, our teams need viable, well-paid career paths.
The Real Enemy: Insurance Giants, Not Each Other
We need to stop turning on one another.
It’s not the assistants’ fault. It’s not the hygienists’ fault. It’s not the dentists’ fault.
The true battle is against billion-dollar insurance companies that squeeze reimbursement rates and force impossible margins. Their business model relies on burnout and turnover.
Ours doesn’t have to.
Let’s Rise—Together
We’re not here to divide—we’re here to ignite a movement.
Because if we don’t evolve as a profession, we risk extinction.
Let’s stop the gatekeeping.
Let’s start the trailblazing.
Let’s keep pushing this entire profession forward—for the sake of our patients and our people.
We’ve seen assistants cleaning children’s teeth for years under state-approved licenses. Now we’re simply building systems that take this further—responsibly, legally, and with quality at the core.
Need Support? Let’s Build Your Future—Together
At Bryant Consultants, we specialize in helping dental practices navigate change, build smart systems, and develop career growth pathways for your team.
Whether you’re:
– A practice owner exploring OPA integration,
– A hygienist looking to lead training and mentorship,
– An assistant seeking advancement,
– Or a leader looking to build a future-proof team—
We’re here to help you build it—strategically, sustainably, and with confidence.
Let’s talk about what’s next for your team.
Schedule a discovery call today at (877) 768-4799.
The future of dentistry isn’t coming—it’s here. Let’s build it together.
Hollie Bryant-Foust
CEO & Founder
