Predisposing factors and effects of ill-health retirement in UK dentists

Objectives: The aim of this project was to determine factors which contributed to ill-health retirement (IHR) and the effects of this retirement in dentists who had retired because of illnesses which were not life-threatening.

Methods:A questionnaire was designed to determine the effects of IHR on dentists who were affected. It was distributed by post to 210 retired dentists, along with a reply-paid envelope and covering letter. The data from the completed questionnaires were collated and analysed.

Results:189 questionnaires were returned, a 90% response rate. The mean age at retirement of respondents was 51.5 years. 90% selected general dental practitioner as their last job title. The most common cause of IHR was musculoskeletal disorders (55%), followed by mental and behavioural disorders (29%). Sixty-three per cent (n=116) of respondents stated that they were able to keep working until their retirement, with 13% stating that they were offered the option of working part time in the period preceding IHR and 11% indicating that their retirement was not work related. 28% of respondents stated that they were offered occupational health advice prior to IHR. Following IHR, 57% of respondents reported that their health had improved, while 43% of respondents stated that they felt a loss of status since IHR. 61% of respondents had either obtained work since IHR, or would like to work again.

Conclusions: There appears to be a need to reconsider the terms and conditions of IHR in the UK and there is a need to improve the provision of occupational health and rehabilitation and employability advice to dentists.

Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to The Medical Sickness Society and COPDEND for their financial support.