eGDCGDC publishes analysis of dental care professionals' working patterns
We have published our inferential analysis reports for dental care professionals (DCPs), the first set of DCP data that combines working patterns, registration information and aggregated fitness to practise (FtP) data.
The analysis shows how DCPs work across the UK, drawing on responses from 43,692 dental care professionals, which represents 58% of the DCP register.
Working patterns questions were first made available for the dentists' annual renewal in December 2023 and were developed further for the dental care professionals’ and dentists’ annual renewal in 2024.
The reports provide insights into employment status, where DCPs work, treatment delivery (NHS v private), the number of hours they spend delivering dental care, whether they work in clinical or non-clinical roles, variations in the workforce across equality, diversity and inclusion characteristics and any correlations between working patterns questions and the incidence of FtP cases at the aggregate level.
Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director of Strategy at the GDC, said: "Our analyses of the working patterns data of almost 44,000 dental care professionals will support the sector in understanding its workforce better and improving access to services. We’re empowering the dental sector to make strategic decisions that will benefit both patients and professionals.”
What we found
The analyses provide further insight for each of the six DCP roles:
Dental nurses made up the largest group, with 36,368 of 62,364 registered dental nurses (58%) completing the survey. Nearly all (99%) were working in the dental sector. Most (87%) were working in one setting, usually general dental practice (76%). Nearly two-thirds (65%) of dental nurses aged up to 30 were working between 30 and 40 hours per week. The median time since qualification for dental nurses in general practice was 9.1 years compared to 11.7 years for other settings. Dental nurses working in non-clinical roles were less likely to be delivering a mix of NHS and private services (30%) compared to all dental nurses (37%).
Of the 9,177 dental hygienists who completed annual renewal in July 2024, 67% responded to the working patterns questions. Around 2% were looking for work, with those seeking employment having qualified more recently (median 2.5 years ago) compared to those in employment (median 11.6 years ago). Nine-in-ten (90%) had only one employment status, with self-employed being most common (73%). More than two-thirds (67%) of those in clinical roles were working in the private sector. Most (92%) were working in general dental practice, from 83% in Scotland to 95% in Northern Ireland.
Dental therapists had a 71% response rate, with 3,934 of 5,558 responding. Most (71%) were 'self-employed/locum/agency'. Those looking for work had typically qualified more recently (median 1.9 years ago) compared to those in employment (median 7.3 years ago). More than half (57%) were working primarily as dental therapists, while nearly two-fifths (39%) were working as dental hygienists. Half of those in clinical roles were working in the private sector. Work settings varied by age, with 94% of those aged up to 30 working in general dental practice, decreasing to 70% of those aged 61+.
Dental technicians had a 49% response rate, with 2,432 of 4,935 responding. Nearly all (99%) were working in the dental sector, suggesting a stable workforce. Most (86%) were working primarily as dental technicians, while 10% were working as clinical dental technicians. Nearly two-thirds (65%) were employed, while almost a quarter (24%) were business owners. More than four-fifths (84%) were working in one setting, usually a laboratory (79%). The analysis reveals notable gender patterns: male dental technicians were more likely to work in laboratories (84% vs 72% of females), while female dental technicians were twice as likely to work in dental hospitals (17% vs 8% of males). Most (89%) had one workplace, 7% had two workplaces and 3% had three or more.
Clinical dental technicians had a 54% response rate, with 229 of 422 responding. Nearly all (98%) were working in the dental sector. Most (91%) were working primarily as clinical dental technicians. Nearly two-thirds (64%) were business owners or part owners, making this the most common employment status. Nearly half (49%) were working in only one setting, while two-fifths (40%) were working in two settings.
Orthodontic therapists had a 68% response rate, with 732 of 1,081 responding. Almost all were working in the dental sector, with less than 1% looking for work. Four-fifths (80%) were employed, with the next largest employment status being self-employed (23%). Most (87%) were working primarily as orthodontic therapists and in only one setting (81%), with 75% working in specialist dental practice.