Recruitment and retention in dentistry in the UK: a scoping review to explore the challenges across the UK, with a particular interest in rural and coastal areas

The contract between NHS dentistry and communities and how this varies by neighbourhood types

Introduction There is a growing concern that the NHS's ability to deliver dental care is not keeping pace with population growth. Also, existing capacity may not be evenly distributed, potentially creating dental deserts in some neighbourhoods.Aims This study aims to explore recent trends in NHS general practice dental capacity in England and analyse if these trends vary depending on neighbourhood context.Design This research employs a descriptive analysis of time trends.Materials and methods The study uses data on NHS-contracted capacity in England, measured in units of dental activity (UDAs). These UDAs are geo-located to neighbourhood types using practice postcodes. Changes in the populations of these neighbourhoods provide context for the capacity trends.Results Some trends remain stable over time, albeit at insufficient levels. Rural areas continue to have the lowest capacity for NHS dental treatments. Additionally, areas with previously generous provision are experiencing significant percentage decreases in capacity.Discussion To prevent the formation of dental deserts, two critical issues require attention: firstly, the accessibility of NHS treatment and how it varies across urban/suburban and rural neighbourhoods; secondly, balancing supply and demand by matching the supply of dental care with the demand, conditioned by socio-economic and socio-demographic factors within different neighbourhoods.

Inappropriate behaviours in a dental training environment: pilot of a UK-wide questionnaire

Incivility and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace are topics of growing interest due to their impact on patient care and safety. Several surveys and campaigns have emerged highlighting the existence of a problem. However, the true scale is difficult to ascertain. The aim of this study is to determine the existence of inappropriate behaviours within the UK dental training environment.An anonymous pilot questionnaire was distributed across multiple platforms reaching out to dental professionals within training environments, inviting responses between July 2022 and October 2022. A total of 215 responses were received. The vast majority (73.2%) felt that inappropriate behaviour is a problem within UK dental training. Senior colleagues were identified as perpetrators in 88% of responses. Most respondents (66%) reported feeling uncomfortable raising the issue, and when raised, 30% felt unsupported. Only 9% felt confident that action was taken after the issue was reported. Belittling was experienced and witnessed most commonly.The feedback received reveals the existence of inappropriate behaviours within dental training environments. Qualitative feedback indicates that if left unaddressed, the impact of such behaviour may persist long-term. Further research is required to address this issue, improve dental training conditions and job satisfaction.

Dental practice workforce challenges in rural England: survey into recruitment and retention in Devon and Cornwall

Introduction Devon and Cornwall have been identified as 'dental deserts' with limited NHS dental access and high levels of oral health inequality. Challenges around recruitment and retention of the dental workforce have been acknowledged as an important contributory factor.Aims The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of dental practices within Devon and Cornwall in relation to recruitment and retention of the dental workforce.Method A self-administered, online questionnaire was used to explore various aspects of workforce recruitment and retention. The questionnaire included categorical rating scale and free-text question formats providing quantitative and qualitative data.Results In total, 106 dental practices responded to the survey, providing a response rate of 36%. The vast majority of respondents (94%) considered recruitment and retention to be a major barrier to delivering NHS services. Additionally, 77% of practices had a current staff vacancy, 57% had a dentist vacancy and 48% had a vacancy for dental nurses. Thematic analysis led to identification of four main themes which were considered to influence recruitment and retention: NHS system; economic challenges; logistics; and support networks.Conclusion A large number of dental practices in Devon and Cornwall are failing to operate at capacity due to workforce shortages, which is affecting access to services in both NHS and private practices. Recruitment and retention of dentists and dental nurses appears to be the most challenging factor, with NHS practices affected more than the private sector.