Career Aspirations of Recent Dental Graduates

The greatest reform of state funded dental care in the U.K. since the inception of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 occurred on 1st April 2006. This encompassed the dissolution of a universal national contract and the introduction of locally commissioned primary dental care services. An understanding of the aspirations of recent dental graduates – vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) is necessary for health service commissioners in planning new dental services. Objectives: This study investigated the career ambitions and preferred modes of working in VDPs. Methods: Data were collected via a postal questionnaire, comprising 37 closed and open questions, mailed to all 59 vocational dental practitioners(VDPs) in Wales. Results: 53 (90%) VDPs participated. 47 saw their practising future in general dental practice 5, 35, and 7 indicating a preference to operate in the NHS, mixed (NHS & Private), and private sectors respectively. More than half of all respondents intended to undertake a postgraduate qualification in the next five years and 22 wishes to specialise.. 44 of the 53 VDPs were concerned that lack of NHS contracts would limit where they could practice, and agreed that family and other social commitments were a significant influence on choice of practice location. Access to high quality premises and continuing professional development were agreed as important by 41 VDPs. A majority (37) agreed that private dentistry was an attractive alternative to NHS dentistry. 38 respondents (22 males, 16 females) expect to work part-time at some point in the future and 14 respondents said they would consider a career outside dentistry. Only 9 VDPs agreed that they would be happy working in a single handed practice. Conclusion: Commissioners need to be aware of these factors in planning dental provision in particular that the majority plan to work part time and dentistry is not necessarily seen as a lifetime career.