The dental workforce recruitment and retention crisis in the UK

Abstract

The precarious state of NHS dentistry is widely acknowledged, yet there is limited progress in addressing the underlying issues. Further delays will undoubtedly impact patient care, leading to oral health deterioration and unnecessary suffering. This will predominantly affect the most vulnerable in society, resulting in greater oral health inequalities.

The underlying issues contributing to the current NHS dental crisis are many, and they include: prolonged delays in contract reform; long-term underinvestment; private sector growth; and fewer dentists working full-time and/or in the NHS. In England, an NHS dental contract that fails to promote prevention or equality of access continues to have a deep and pernicious impact on the future of NHS dentistry. The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access cannot be underestimated and neither should the effect of Brexit on the availability of workforce.

The recruitment and retention of dentists, and other members of the dental team, is undoubtedly a major issue in terms of capacity and access to NHS dental care. These problems, seen across the UK, are a particular issue in England, with acute challenges within rural and coastal areas.

There is an urgent necessity to develop coherent, multifaceted strategies, aided by the collection of clear and accurate workforce data, to tackle these issues.