PCOH has released a workforce report that finds a major decrease in dental workforce, including a staggering decrease in dental assistants. The “Access to Oral Health Workforce Report” uncovers that many Pennsylvania counties are struggling to maintain recommended worker levels. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural areas and Medicaid provider networks have seen the sharpest reductions in care providers. This will result in limited access and delayed care for Pennsylvanians, especially those in rural communities. The report also evaluates education and training programs, state tax and local income losses, the impact of COVID-19 relief programs, and dental โ Health Professional Shortage Areas (d-HPSAs).