A mother in central Jersey called her family dentist in early February to book her daughter’s six-month cleaning. The receptionist apologized and said the next available appointment was in mid-May. She thought she had heard wrong. Three months for a cleaning? She mentioned it to a friend who works at a different practice, expecting sympathy. The friend nodded and said her own office was running four months out.

THE QUESTION: Why does my dental appointment take three months to get?

THE ANSWER: There are not enough hygienists and dental assistants in NJ to fill the chairs in dental offices. The dentist is there. The chair is there. The team needed to support the visit is not.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Book preventive visits as far ahead as possible. Ask if your office keeps a cancellation list. Consider community health centers or dental school clinics if you need care faster than your regular office can offer.