‘Seven in 10 dentists in Wales thinking of quitting’

MOTIVATION and morale among Welsh dentists is at its lowest level in years – with seven in 10 thinking of leaving the profession.

A survey of dentists in Wales shows fewer than a fifth report high morale and only a third feel motivated.

In 2017-18, just 14.8% of providing-performer dentists in Wales – those who have a contract with a health board to carry out NHS work – rated their morale as high or very high.

The proportion reporting high or very high morale dropped from 25% in 201617, and was at the lowest level since the questions were introduced in 2012-13.

The survey found 70.6% of providing-performer dentists in Wales were thinking of leaving the profession, although this was down from 71.5% in 2016-17.

In terms of motivation, only 35.9% of dentists agreed or strongly agreed with six statements that indicate positive attitudes to the job. The statements cover things like pay, recognition and feeling good about the job and opportunities.

This is the lowest average score since 2012-13 and down from 38.6% in 2016-17.

The figures are from Dental Working Patterns Surveys sent to all self-employed primary care dentists in the United Kingdom who conduct some NHS work.

The survey found that dentists who work longer hours report lower motivation than those who work shorter weekly hours. Dentists with higher motivation do less NHS work. Just 11.5% of providing-performer dentists said they thought their pay was fair, with only two-fifths (39.5%) saying they felt good about their job.