GDC’s new dentists workforce survey is “a welcome step in plugging the data gap” in NHS dentistry, says ADG
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 10th November 2023
The General Dental Council (GDC) has launched a workforce survey for registrants to complete, with the aim of helping it to understand more clearly the NHS dentistry crisis.
As part of the annual renewal process, dentists are being encouraged, for the first time ever, to answer a series of questions about the work they undertake, including where in the country they are based whether they are practicing on a full-time or part-time basis and how much of their work is under NHS contract.
Commenting on the GDC’s new workforce survey, Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), said: “We are delighted that GDC has listened to the concerns raised by ADG and others as to the lack of data on the disastrous state of NHS dentistry. For the first time we will have a nationwide survey of dentists, which will throw light on the challenges faced by the profession – a welcome step in plugging the data gap. The results of the workforce survey will aid ADG’s own research on NHS “dental deserts” across the UK, which found rural and more deprived areas less likely to have access to NHS dental care services.
“We urge GDC to make the (anonymised) results publicly available as soon as possible, as the information collected will be vital in informing the wider political debate on the future of dentistry in this country. This is particularly important in a general election year. The workforce survey is voluntary and all information provided will be anonymised. The more dentists that respond to the survey, the more accurately the results will reflect the state of the workforce. We encourage all dentists to respond to the survey.”
About the ADG
The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) is the trade association for large dental providers in the UK. Our members include 25 of the largest groups of dental practices in the country, representing approximately 10,000 clinicians delivering NHS and private dentistry to more than 10 million patients every year.
The ADG works for its members to improve the conditions for by investing in their patients and their people. We seek to improve quality and access to dentistry for patients by influencing the standards and shaping policy impacting Dental Groups. Our aim is to facilitate the provision of patient centred, high quality and consistent dental care by improving Dental Groups’ working environment.
Find out more on our website here: https://www.theadg.co.uk/
