Survey data released today from the General Dental Council (GDC) on dentists’ working patterns, reports that just 0.8 percent (241) of the 30,066 who completed the questionnaire said they were actively seeking work as a dentist. The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) cautions that this does not bode well when it comes to filling the current 3K+ vacancies for dentists.
Data published by NHS England for the period to March 2024, show there are 2,749 full-time equivalent (FTE basis) NHS dentist vacancies. These are roles that have been open for an average of 180 days per post. Furthermore, with 411 (FTE basis) vacancies in private practices still open, it is clear that irrespective of the need for NHS contract reform, there is a system-wide shortage of dentists in the UK across the profession’s ‘mixed-economy’.
The full press release can be found here.