Shocking 50% of NHS dentists planning on leaving their jobs
According to a shock new study, over half of all dentists working for the NHS are planning on leaving within the coming five years.
The research, carried out by the BDA (British Dental Association), put the exact number at 58%. The dentists included in the figure are either planning on moving abroad, going private or retiring within the next five years. Worryingly, most of those choosing the first two options were under the age of 35.
There is a growing belief that morale within the profession is rapidly dropping, which is reflected by the falling numbers of practitioners. There are currently around 24,000 dentists working in the country, a number which decreases frequently. Whilst their average expected income is £100,000, dentists have also noticed a drop in their pay after the introduction of the new 2006 contract. Most now protest that they are under more pressure than ever. The BDA has protested against the so-called ‘target-driven culture’ affecting their jobs, with Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of general dental practice, calling the situation a “tragedy”. In regards to the figures, he commented that dentists were suffering due to a failure by the government to push for “meaningful reform”.
According to the BDA, working for the NHS is looking like a less and less rosy prospect, causing many to start looking for jobs either overseas or in private clinics.
Opposing these views is John O’Connell, chief executive of the taxpayer’s alliance, who suggested that despite NHS dentists working very hard and doing a fantastic job, spending on the NHS has to be regulated. He went on to suggest that public sector dentists made more money than those working in private firms.
