Vacant posts reported in dental practice: Implications for human resource planning

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the proportion of dental practitioners who report vacancies within their dental practice for the following: dental surgeons, dental hygienists, dental nurses and dental receptionists. To determine the proportion of dental practitioners working in general dental practice who would consider employing a dental therapist. Method: Analysis of data from the British Dental Association Omnibus Survey 2000. The sample comprised 992 qualified dentists in all fields of practice. Findings: The most commonly reported vacancies were for dental surgeons (18% of practitioners reported vacancies), dental nurses (17%) and dental hygienists (12%). Approximately 46% of general dental practitioners reported that they would employ a dental therapist if legislation permitted. The main reason for not employing a dental therapist was insufficient space in the dental practice. Conclusions: A large number of vacancies exist for dental surgeons, dental nurses and dental hygienists in the United Kingdom. Around half of dental practices express an interest in employing dental therapists should legislation permit.