The General Dental Council (GDC) collects data on UK dental professional’s working patterns each year to better understand how the profession is structured.
The latest research has been published on the GDC website, which offers insights into the current workforce. Key findings include that almost 60 per cent of all dentists surveyed are self-employed, agency workers or locum professionals, while 20 per cent are employees and 16 per cent are business owners. 44 per cent of dentists work 30 hours or less per week. 67 per cent of dentists work in general practice. In addition, 39 per cent of dentists work in more than one location.
Data was also collected for dental care professionals (DCPs). This suggested that 47 per cent of DCPs are working solely in clinical practice. 48 per cent of DCPs are working 30-40 hours per week. 63 per cent of DCPs are working in general dental practice, with 12 per cent in specialist dental practice and 6 per cent in community dental services, and 77 per cent of DCPs work in one location.
To date, the GDC’s working pattern research has included responses from more than 30,000 dentists and 43,600 DCPs. It provides a useful benchmark for individuals to compare their own working experience to and for employers to consider where their businesses stand within the broader profession.
Dental professionals were encouraged to complete the survey as part of the annual renewal process.
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