A snapshot of the future

Adding some fun to election day on May 7, but asking some serious questions about dentistry and the future of the NHS, the poll also reveals that the majority of dentists (66 per cent) do not think that, going forward, NHS dentistry will be able to provide the right balance of treatment versus prevention.

Furthermore, while a third (33 per cent) of dentists thought the Conservatives could be trusted with NHS dentistry, a similar number (29 per cent) felt that none of the political parties could be depended upon with this aspect of state funded healthcare.

With 62 per cent of respondents working in a practice offering either predominantly NHS or mixed treatment, these figures offer significant insight into dentists’ views on the NHS.

The poll also revealed that if they were in David Cameron’s shoes, the majority would support NHS dentistry through increased spending, closely followed by wanting to change the current contract. These feelings were further reinforced by respondents’ finding a lack of time and the potential financial repercussions of the UDA banding system the greatest challenges they face in the present climate.