Clinical academic staffing levels on the rise in dentistry

The survey reveals an evolving team with a sharper focus on teaching. However, the survey also highlights concerns that the capacity of these staff to focus their resources on research may be diminishing over time.

Clinical academics combine teaching and research with clinical practice, carrying their experience from each aspect of their work into the others. This makes them a driving force for innovation in teaching and treatments, and skilled practitioners for patients.

Their recent rise in numbers is part of an overall trend which has seen them increase by 24.8 per cent since the survey began in 2000. The preceding period of decline and instability between 2010 and 2015, had been highlighted to funders and employers by previous iterations of this survey. This year’s data hopefully represents a turning point and a rejuvenation of this important team.

The survey makes the recommendation that the work of inspirational dental clinical academics should be used to highlight their benefit to both patient care and government policy. This is exemplified by the influential work of Professor Jimmy Steele, who in 2009 led the independent review of NHS dental services in England. The recommendations in his report continue to have a strong impact on the direction of government policy, including helping to set the direction for the ongoing contract reforms. Professor Steele’s wide-reaching recommendations have helped to improve patient care and will continue to do so as we look to the future of dental healthcare.