Surveys address levels of confidence in NHS dentistry
The first findings have been shared from a series of independent surveys carried out by Practice Plan to determine confidence levels in NHS dentistry. Commissioned to compare how the dental profession feels about working within the NHS for the next 12 months compared to the previous 12 months, the surveys intend to monitor how confidence levels could change over the next year.
It comes at a time when several new contract management initiatives are being introduced to the industry, and the structure of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards is changing. It is hoped the results of the surveys will reveal the ‘inner thoughts and feelings’ of the dental profession concerning contract reform, the structure of NHS dentistry, and how the future workings of the NHS will be affected.
The first survey, carried out by an independent market research specialist, took place before new information on NHS prototypes was released, and asked dentists who offered mostly NHS treatment to rate their confidence against five key statements, comparing how confident they expect to feel in a year’s time, as opposed to 12 months ago.
One of the first statements asked if the level of remuneration would be appropriate, with a majority of 54% stating that they felt less confident that in 12 months’ time, working within NHS dentistry would offer them an appropriate level of remuneration. In fact, only 9% stated that they felt ‘more confident’ in this area, suggesting that an overwhelming number of dentists feel that they will not be rewarded for the levels of work they intend to put in over the next 12 months, despite efforts ‘to make the system more workable for the industry and patients’.
Regarding career prospects, most felt ‘as confident’ in their outlook for the next 12 months as they had been in the previous (45%). While this is reassuring, double the number of respondents stated they were ‘less confident’ in their job prospects than those who said they were more confident, 39% versus 16%. This calls into question the future of the profession, and seems worthy of an investigation into why confidence levels are falling.
When asked whether the NHS would offer the right balance of treatment versus prevention, 44% of respondents stated that they were less confident of this happening in the following year, a majority. With only 15% claiming they were more confident in the NHS’ ability to offer the right balance, there may be issues with trusting in the ability to offer preventive care to patients while under NHS restrictions.
A final question showed a more positive outlook, as 61% of respondents were ‘as confident’ that in 12 months’ time, patients would be happy with the outcome of attending an NHS dental practice. While this marks good news for the general public, it can also be seen as a sign that the industry ‘is committed to overcoming any future obstacles’ to ensure that people can still access necessary dental care within the NHS.
