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The dental industry has changed a lot over the past 20 years, but one thing hasn't: dental assistants are an essential part of keeping practices running.
Sarah McLaughlin, VP of Markets at Kwikly Dental Staffing, has seen those changes firsthand. From starting her career as a licensed dental assistant in 2004 to working in office management and now leading market teams at Kwikly, she's experienced the industry from several different perspectives.
Sarah recently joined Kevin Henry, founder of Dental Assistant Nation, for a conversation about the dental assisting job market, the benefits of temporary staffing, and what assistants can look forward to in 2027.
Here's what stood out.
Dental Assistants Are Still in Demand
Dental offices continue to face staffing challenges, and qualified dental assistants remain an important part of the solution.
That ongoing demand creates opportunities for dental assistants to step into offices, support patient care, and make a difference.
For Sarah, it reinforces something she's seen throughout her career: dental assistants bring tremendous value to a practice, and their skills matter.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Sarah is optimistic about the future of dental assisting, especially when it comes to professional growth and expanded responsibilities.
As states continue to evaluate expanded functions and opportunities for dental assistants, there's potential for the profession to take on an even greater role in patient care.
Sarah hopes to see more practices recognize the full capabilities of their assistants, encourage continued education, and create opportunities for them to use the skills they've worked hard to develop.
The future isn't just about filling open positions. It's about helping dental assistants grow within the profession.
Is Temping Right for You?
One of the biggest benefits of temporary dental assisting is the opportunity to experience different offices, teams, and ways of practicing dentistry.
Every office operates a little differently. Temping allows assistants to learn new techniques, build relationships, and discover the type of environment where they thrive.
It can even serve as a working interview for assistants considering a permanent position.
Of course, temping isn't for everyone. Walking into an unfamiliar office can feel intimidating, especially the first few times.
But Sarah encourages assistants not to let that discomfort hold them back.
Her perspective? "Anybody can do anything for eight hours."
It's a reminder that trying something new doesn't have to mean making a permanent commitment. Sometimes one shift is all it takes to build confidence, learn something new, or find an office you love.
And for assistants who appreciate the flexibility of temping but want the benefits of W-2 employment, Kwikly offers both. Professionals are W-2 employees of Kwikly, receiving one W-2 from Kwikly at tax time regardless of how many offices they work in through the platform.
Sarah's Advice for Dental Assistants
After more than two decades in the industry, Sarah has a few pieces of advice for assistants navigating their careers:
- Know your value. Dental assistants bring more to the table than they sometimes give themselves credit for. Recognize your skills and don't be afraid to speak up.
- Never stop learning. Ask questions, pursue additional training, and look for opportunities to expand your knowledge.
- Build relationships. Whether you're working in an office for one day or several years, the connections you make matter.
- Be confident enough to try something new. You never know what opportunities might come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Showcase your skills. Keep your Kwikly profile updated with your certifications and experience so offices can see everything you bring to their team.
The Future Looks Bright for Dental Assistants
After 20+ years in dentistry, Sarah believes there's plenty to be excited about.
Whether you're looking for a permanent home, exploring temporary opportunities, or simply wanting to grow your skills, the dental industry continues to offer different paths to build a career you love.
And sometimes, the best opportunity starts with being willing to try something new.
Want to explore opportunities in your area? Get started with dental assistants on Kwikly.
Hear more from Sarah McLaughlin and Kevin Henry in their Dental Assistant Nation podcast conversation.
