Work situation and prospects of recently graduated dentists in the Netherlands

Exploring the Role of Practice Managers in Dutch Oral Healthcare Practices

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The practice manager (PM) is a familiar position in Dutch oral healthcare. However, little is known about in which type of practice they work and what their responsibilities are. The aims of this study were to analyse the characteristics of oral healthcare practices that employ a PM and practices that do not, to determine responsibility for tasks described in the PM function description, and to assess to what extent the role of a PM varies between those with an oral healthcare and another background, and across practices with different characteristics.

METHODS

At the end of 2022, a questionnaire with questions about the employment of a PM in the practice was presented to 991 randomly selected general dental practitioners. The questions about the tasks of the PM were based on the job description of the PM drawn up by the Royal Dutch Dental Association. Data were analysed using chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A PM was employed in the practice of 56% of the general dental practitioners. In many cases, this PM was responsible for a large number of tasks within the sub-areas of care process, human resources, operational policy, and communication. Compared to independent practices, practices affiliated with a corporate dental company often employed a PM and the PMs had a relatively large amount of responsibility.

CONCLUSION

PMs are now commonly found in Dutch oral healthcare practices, especially in ones that are affiliated with a corporate dental company. The tasks of PMs vary, suggesting an evolving professional profile.

Navigating the Path to Independent Dentist: A Qualitative Phenomenological Exploration

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the process of becoming an independent dentist, extending beyond the entry-level period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen general dental practitioners were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and utilizing Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method, we sought to exclude subjectivity and derive meanings and themes from participants' experiences concerning the process of becoming independent dentists.

RESULTS

The study identified 3 phases in the process of developing as an independent dentist: (1) the foundation phase, involving dental training as a student under faculty supervision; (2) the extension phase, expanding experience as an entry-level dentist; (3) the equilibrium phase, characterized by providing stable dental care based on diverse experience and professionalism.

CONCLUSION

Becoming an independent dentist entails more than unsupervised treatment provision; it involves developing the professionalism necessary for delivering quality dental care through deliberate practice and reflection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study outlines the stages of transitioning to an independent dentist, spanning foundational training, entry-level experience, and achieving stable care provision. Emphasizing the importance of professionalism and reflection, it provides a valuable framework for enhancing dental education and on-going professional development, fostering both technical proficiency and a commitment to quality patient care.

Perception of recently graduated Dutch dentists of their education

INTRODUCTION

The curriculum of the three dental schools in the Netherlands consists of a three-year bachelor's and three-year master's course. The education programmes focus inter alia on clinical dental reasoning, thinking and acting scientifically, general oral healthcare activities, and communication and (inter)professional cooperation. This study examined how recently graduated dentists, in the light of their work experience, evaluate their education in retrospect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All 1074 dentists who graduated between 2012 and mid-2017 were invited by e-mail to answer a web survey. Of those, 314 (29%) took part in the study.

RESULTS

The majority of dentists were positive about their knowledge of general and clinical oral healthcare fields when they graduated (70% and 68%, respectively). Fewer dentists were satisfied with their skills in terms of some specific procedures (50%) and clinical professional areas (33%). By far, the majority (85%) were satisfied with the educational skills of their teachers. The majority (70%) felt that their education fitted in well with their professional practice. Nevertheless, 60% thought a year's trainee work experience would be a good idea. The overall evaluation of dentists who have their own practices was less positive than those who do not.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge and skills relating to managing a practice were not sufficiently addressed in the programme. The introduction of a practical internship would be desirable, preferably during the education. But when they look back, the majority of recently graduated dentists in the Netherlands are generally positive about the education they received.

Collaboration between general dental practitioners and dental hygienists: a qualitative study

Background

Influenced by governmental measures, collaboration in oral health care practices in the Netherlands has increased in recent decades. Previous studies on this subject have mainly concerned the composition of the staff or have been normative rather than descriptive. Based on the existing literature, four aspects were expected to be of significant influence on the collaboration on oral health care practices: goals, leadership, the allocation of tasks and responsibilities and formalization.

Methods

The aim of this study was to describe a classification of collaboration between general dental practitioners and dental hygienists within oral health care practices in the Netherlands. Eighteen semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in nine oral health care practices, which differed with regard to both practice characteristics and characteristics of the principal general dental practitioner. In all practices, the principal general dental practitioner and one dental hygienist were consulted. The interviews were conducted in the practices of the respondents and were held between October 2019 and July 2020. The interviews were analyzed through theoretical thematic analysis using Microsoft Word 2010 and Atlas.ti 8. Three researchers coded and analyzed three practices, and discussed their results. Based on their mutual conclusions, one researcher analysed all practices. The final results were reviewed and approved by the other two researchers.

Results

Different factors influencing the collaboration between general dental practitioners and dental hygienist in the Netherlands were found. The most important factors seemed to be leadership style and goals for collaboration. Leadership style varied from very directive to very supportive and seemed to be connected to the allocation of responsibilities. Goals for collaboration varied from predominantly patient-related to mostly practice-related. Formalization appeared to be more present in larger practices and practices that are affiliated to a dental chain.

Conclusions

Based on leadership style and goals for collaboration, a classification was identified. This classification is recommended as a starting point for further research on directive and supportive leadership in oral health care practices.