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Tantimahanon A, Sipiyaruk K, Tantipoj C. Determinants of dietary behaviors among dental professionals: insights across educational levels. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:724. [PMID: 38914973 PMCID: PMC11197208 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy dietary behaviors are fundamental for maintaining optimal health. Understanding the dietary behaviors of dentists is vital for designing effective interventions to foster healthier behaviors. However, investigations into dietary behaviors and their associations among dental professionals have been limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate the dietary behaviors of dental professionals, along with the associated factors influencing their dietary options. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-administered online questionnaire was constructed to collect data from three groups of dental professionals: undergraduates (UG), postgraduates (PG), and practicing dentists (DT). The questionnaire encompassed inquiries regarding demographic characteristics, knowledge assessment, evaluation of attitudes, and examination of dietary behaviors. Data analysis procedures included descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS A total of 842 individuals participated in the study (UG: 264, PG: 247, DT: 331). Attitude emerged as the strongest association of healthy dietary behaviors across all groups (UG: ß=0.370, PG: ß=0.512, DT: ß=0.642; P < 0.001), while alcohol consumption showed a negative correlation with healthy dietary behaviors (UG: ß=-0.135, PG: ß=-0.220, DT: ß=-0.216; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Significant variations in dietary behaviors across diverse educational levels of dental professionals were observed. Attitude emerged as the predominant factor influencing dietary behaviors, while knowledge was found to have a weak association. Tailored interventions addressing individual challenges at different career stages should be considered to enhance dietary behaviors and overall well-being in dental practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athikom Tantimahanon
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, 6 Yothi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kawin Sipiyaruk
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, 6 Yothi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Chanita Tantipoj
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, 6 Yothi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Newton T, Wong J. Mental health and wellbeing for oral healthcare teams. Br Dent J 2023; 235:598-599. [PMID: 37891292 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-023-6439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Newton
- Professor of Psychology, King´s College London Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, London, UK.
| | - Jason Wong
- Interim Chief Dental Officer for England, Lincolnshire, UK.
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Plessas A, Paisi M, Bryce M, Burns L, O'Brien T, Hanoch Y, Witton R. Mental health and wellbeing interventions in the dental sector: a systematic review. Evid Based Dent 2022:10.1038/s41432-022-0831-0. [PMID: 36477677 PMCID: PMC9735078 DOI: 10.1038/s41432-022-0831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction UK dentists experience high levels of stress, anxiety and burnout. Poor mental health can lead practitioners to exit the profession, contributing to workforce and service loss. Therefore, there is a need to focus on interventions to protect the mental health and wellbeing of dental teams. Three levels of intervention can be deployed in the workplace to support mental health and wellbeing: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary prevention.Aim The aim of this systematic review was to identify evidence on interventions used to prevent, improve or tackle mental health issues among dental team members and dental profession students in countries of very high development.Methods This systematic review was conducted according to a predefined protocol and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE, Embase CINAHL, DOSS, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched. Prospective empirical studies were considered for inclusion. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool (EPHPP) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The identified interventions were categorised according to level of prevention.Results The search yielded 12,919 results. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All of the studies concerned dentists or dental students. There were no studies for other groups of dental professionals. No primary prevention-level studies were identified. Secondary prevention-level studies (n = 4) included various psychoeducational interventions aiming to raise awareness and improve coping skills and led to significant improvements in stress levels and burnout of dentists and dental students. Tertiary prevention-level studies (n = 4) mainly employed counselling which was shown to be beneficial for dentists and students experiencing psychological ill-health.Conclusions Mental wellbeing awareness should be put at the centre of dental education and the workplace. Leadership and innovation are required to design primary-level interventions which can be implemented in the UK dental sector, with its distinct organisational and service characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Plessas
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK.
| | - Martha Paisi
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK
| | - Marie Bryce
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK
| | - Lorna Burns
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK
| | - Yaniv Hanoch
- University of Southampton, Business School, Southampton, UK
| | - Robert Witton
- University of Plymouth, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, Plymouth, UK
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Estimation of Factors Affecting Burnout in Greek Dentists before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dent J (Basel) 2022; 10:dj10060108. [PMID: 35735650 PMCID: PMC9221850 DOI: 10.3390/dj10060108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is a comprehensive, cross-sectional survey in occupational burnout, career satisfaction, and quality of life conducted in March 2021 among dentists in the vast area of metropolitan Athens, Greece. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire based on the Copenhagen Questionnaire (CQ) for assessing work stress and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) for evaluating occupational burnout. Using the independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression, 804 valid questionnaires were analyzed. During the pandemic, personal exhaustion was affected by gender (b = 1.862, p = 0.0001), age (b = −0.598, p = 0.0001), number of children (b = −0.886, p = 0.020) and higher degree (b = −0.450, p = 0.012). Exhaustion due to working with patients was affected by gender (b = 0.662 p = 0.0001), age (b = −0.513, p = 0.0001), number of children (b = −0.701, p = 0.0001), higher degree (b = −0.207, p = 0.028) and years in practice (b = 0.408 p = 0.0001). Males were more prone to unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and professional physical and emotional exhaustion, but personal resources through higher education, beliefs, values, and hobbies can offer a preventive shield to all dental professionals. Economic management issues can also enhance dentists’ satisfaction and feeling of safety in a rapidly changing environment.
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Kaki L, Kc S, Gallagher JE. Health and Wellbeing of Clinical Dental Care Professionals: A Systematic Review. Prim Dent J 2022; 11:40-50. [PMID: 35658664 DOI: 10.1177/20501684221101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been much research relating to stressors in the dental environment and concerns over dentists' health and wellbeing. The determinants of dentists' health and wellbeing within the UK include macro-factors, such as healthcare systems and regulation; meso-factors, such as job specification and workplace characteristics; and micro-factors, such as personal aspects, professional career level, and personal and professional relationships. Given the challenges in dentistry, research is needed to investigate the key determinants relating to the health and wellbeing of clinical dental care professionals (DCPs) nationally. AIM To review the literature on the key determinants of health and wellbeing among dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians, and orthodontic therapists in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted across seven databases. The records were screened by title, abstract and full text based on the study inclusion criteria. Extraction of data and a qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. A mixed methods appraisal tool was used to quality assess for risk of bias. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in this review, eleven of which were medium to high quality (5*, 4*) and one low quality (2*). Ten studies focused on dental therapists, and/or hygienists, with only one each on orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians. Job satisfaction and professional careers were the primary factors explored in the included studies and clearly identified as determinants of health and wellbeing. However, there was evidence of these being associated and linked with a range of determinants at macro-, meso-, and micro-levels, with a general lack of evidence on the overall health and wellbeing. CONCLUSION There is currently very limited evidence on the key determinants of health and wellbeing of clinical DCPs within the UK, but the available evidence maps to the same domains as dentists. Further well conducted research examining the overall health and wellbeing is required, with consideration of the full matrix of possible factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layan Kaki
- Former MSc Dental Public Health student, King's College London, UK
| | - Sukriti Kc
- Visiting Research Associate, King's College London, UK PhD Student, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Jennifer E Gallagher
- Global Envoy King's College London, Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy, Hon Consultant in Dental Public Health, Discipline Lead for Dental Public Health Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Moving on. BDJ IN PRACTICE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9168634 DOI: 10.1038/s41404-022-1164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Curtis SA, Scambler S, Manthorpe J, Samsi K, Rooney YM, Gallagher JE. Everyday experiences of people living with dementia and their carers relating to oral health and dental care. DEMENTIA 2021; 20:1925-1939. [PMID: 33345612 PMCID: PMC8361472 DOI: 10.1177/1471301220975942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how community-dwelling people with dementia, as well as their carers, look after their oral health and use dental care. This exploratory study aimed to explore the beliefs, experiences and practices about oral health of people living with dementia and their carers. We used an ethnographic qualitative approach conducting face-to-face interviews at home with people living with dementia and/or carers. Interview data and field notes were analysed thematically using framework methods. We approached volunteers registered with the online UK. Join Dementia Research network from whom a total of 17 participants were recruited in 2018. Five interviews were conducted with carers alone, two with a person living with dementia alone, and five with a carer and person with dementia jointly. Three main themes emerged: oral health is not prioritised; access to dental care is shaped by increasing disability; and the importance of continuity of care. While people living with dementia and their carers may view oral health important once prompted, many reported difficulties in undertaking or assisting with daily self-care and accessing dental services, particularly as dementia progresses. We draw out implications for the organisation and delivery of public and private dental services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Curtis
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Sasha Scambler
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Jill Manthorpe
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce and NIHR Applied Research Collaborative (ARC) South London, The Policy Institute, King's College London, UK
| | - Kritika Samsi
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce and NIHR Applied Research Collaborative (ARC) South London, The Policy Institute, King's College London, UK
| | - Yvonne M Rooney
- Department of Community Special Care Dentistry; King's Dental Institute, London, UK; Teddington Community Dental Clinic, London, UK; Kingston Community Dental Clinic, Princess Alexandra Wing, Kingston Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jennifer E Gallagher
- Global Envoy, King's College London, UK; Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, UK
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Gallagher JE, Colonio-Salazar FB, White S. Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - a qualitative study of coping strategies in 'normal times'. Br Dent J 2021:10.1038/s41415-021-3205-7. [PMID: 34285386 PMCID: PMC8294212 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-3205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Research has highlighted multiple determinants of dentists' health and wellbeing, and has raised concerns over workforce morale and retention. Limited research has been undertaken on possible solutions. Thus, the aim was to explore the coping strategies used or advocated by dentists to protect and support their health and wellbeing.Methods This qualitative study involved a purposive sample of dentists working in England taking account of age, gender, career stage, work sector, geographical area, position and route of entry to registration. Dentists were approached via gatekeepers across England to participate in semi-structured interviews. A topic guide, informed by past research, was used to guide the discourse. Informants' views were audio-recorded and field notes were made. Data were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach to generate theory with the support of the framework methodology.Results Twenty dentists were interviewed from a range of backgrounds. Self-reported coping strategies included a range of strategies for 'taking control', including 'embracing self-care' and 'seeking professional support', while drawing on 'supportive personal and social networks'. Managing professional careers included diversifying through greater 'mixing' of NHS with private work, privatising, specialising, or combining dentistry with another role. Strengthening job security and facilitating diversity of experience remain important for supporting the health and wellbeing of dentists. Selling practices or, in the extreme, completely leaving the profession were considered practical options. At organisational level, building sustainable teams and transforming culture were advocated as important; while at systems level, reforming the NHS and bridging the gap between the profession and regulatory body were considered vital. Additionally, the need for strong professional leadership and wider societal debate was advocated as part of a whole systems approach to enable job satisfaction in delivering high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based care in future.Conclusion While dentists demonstrated a range of coping mechanisms, multi-level action was advocated to enhance the health, wellbeing and retention of dentists. Systems reform at macro- and meso-levels is urgently advocated to enable fulfilling careers within dentistry, particularly for those at the front line of primary dental care in the public sector. Personal resilience alone will not suffice and recommendations for action are explored to avert a public health catastrophe. This is a time for reflection, debate and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Gallagher
- Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King´s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, SE5 9RS, London, UK.
| | | | - Sandra White
- Former National Lead for Dental Public Health, Health Intelligence, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, Skipton House, Area B, 2nd floor, 80 London Road, SE1 6LH, London, UK
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Gallagher JE, Colonio-Salazar FB, White S. Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - workforce assets under stress: a qualitative study in England. Br Dent J 2021:10.1038/s41415-021-3130-9. [PMID: 34285387 PMCID: PMC8294242 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-3130-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple determinants influence dentists' health and wellbeing. In light of recent concerns, the aim of this research was to explore contemporary influences on dentists' health and wellbeing in England, drawing on their lived experience.Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of dentists working in England, taking into account age, gender, career stage, work sector, geographical area, position and route of entry to registration. A topic guide, informed by the literature, was used to guide the discourse. Dentists were approached via gatekeepers, supported by snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Framework analysis was used, taking an interpretative phenomenological approach to develop theory.Results Twenty dentists, from a range of backgrounds, participated in this research. While health and wellbeing was reported to be more positive among dentists in their later career, those in their early career and/or with high NHS work commitments shared concerns about their physical, psychological and emotional health. Influences ranged from macro-level issues relating to professional regulation and health systems, through meso-level, notably their workplace and job specification, to micro-level issues relating to their professional careers, relationships and personal life. Dentists highlighted ethical concerns and feeling driven to deliver, together with being demoralised by a survival culture, all leading to perceived lack of control and reduced professional fulfilment. In contrast, being able to deliver quality care, innovate and effect change, as well as being valued for their delivery, were perceived to positively contribute to general health and wellbeing.Conclusion Dentists have a vital role in providing care for patients, so there are serious public health implications if urgent action is not taken to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing. This study confirms that dentists are affected by multiple contemporary influences, and although greater support is needed for individuals, organisational, system and policy changes may be required to fully address the challenges they face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Gallagher
- Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King´s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, SE5 9RS, London, UK.
| | | | - Sandra White
- Former National Lead for Dental Public Health, Health Intelligence, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, Skipton House, Area B, 2nd floor, 80 London Road, SE1 6LH, London, UK
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Wåhlin C, Lindmark U, Wagman P, Johnston V, Rolander B. Work and health characteristics of oral health providers who stay healthy at work – a prospective study in public dentistry. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2021.1905876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wåhlin
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Centre, Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Lindmark
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Centre for Oral Health, Department of Natural Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Petra Wagman
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Venerina Johnston
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Australia
| | - Bo Rolander
- Futurum, Academy for Health and Care, Region Jönköping, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Behavioral Science and Social Work, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
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Holmes RD, Burford B, Vance G. Development and retention of the dental workforce: findings from a regional workforce survey and symposium in England. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:255. [PMID: 32216779 PMCID: PMC7099783 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To help promote a flexible and sustainable workforce in dentistry, it is necessary to access accurate and timely data about the structure and nature of the evolving dental team. This paper considers the results and learning from a region-wide dental workforce survey conducted in one area of Health Education England and how the team has changed since the last survey a decade earlier. Methods A mixed-methods approach comprised two phases. In Phase 1 a customised workforce questionnaire was sent to all dental practices registered with the Care Quality Commission in the North East of England and North Cumbria in March 2016. Findings then informed Phase 2, a regional symposium held in October 2016, where interactive workshops generated qualitative data that elaborated on factors influencing workforce development. Results Of 431 primary dental care practices identified, 228 questionnaires were returned - a 53% response rate. The largest professional groups were dental nurses (n = 1269, 53% by headcount; 50% of fte) and dentists (34% by headcount; 42% by fte), though there had been increases in numbers of all staff groups over the decade, which was most marked for dental therapists (from 1 per 39 dentists to 1 per 8 dentists). The dental team predominantly fell into ‘younger’ age groups (< 46 years age), with evidence of a significant increase in the number of dentists reporting part-time working in a practice since the last survey. Around one third of dental practices reported employing dental nurses with additional skills (n = 74, 32.5%) or dental therapists (n = 73, 32%), and nearly half employed a dental hygienist (n = 104, 46%). However, there was considerable variability in whether these staff actually carried out the range of skills within their scope of practice. Factors shaping workforce development were identified as, the national context, loss of expertise, patients’ health needs and expectations, surgery premises and financial constraints. Conclusions The composition and work patterns of the primary care dental workforce have changed markedly over the last decade, though utilisation of skill-mix continues to be constrained. Consideration of factors determining career progression of dentists and dental care professionals is needed to optimise a sustainable future workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Holmes
- School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BW, UK
| | - Bryan Burford
- School of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Cookson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gillian Vance
- School of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Cookson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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