Data from ‘Dentists' Working Patterns, Motivation and Morale’ shows that 16 per cent of dental practice owners and 18 per cent of associates in England saying morale is high. A record-low result for both groups. Six in 10 dentists say their morale is low or very low.
With the access crisis hitting millions across England, 64 per cent of practice owners and 61 per cent of associate dentists in England are now thinking of leaving NHS dentistry.
A poll of dentists in England by the BDA showed three per cent think the plan will result in their practice seeing more NHS patients. Forty-three per cent believe the plan will lead to their practice seeing fewer NHS patients. Only one per cent of respondents believe the plan is capable of meeting the government’s stated objective to provide NHS dental care to ‘all who need it’.
The BDA has slammed the government for rejecting the Health and Social Care Committee’s key recommendation to break with the discredited NHS contract, which is fuelling this exodus. It stresses that any progress will hinge on real reform and sustainable funding.
Eddie Crouch, BDA chair, said, “This government hasn’t given dentists any reason to be cheerful.
“The prime minister promised to ‘restore’ this service, but all we’ve had is spin, and unfunded, unambitious plans.
“We can’t have NHS dentistry without NHS dentists. Without real reform ministers won’t make it a place dentists want to work.”