BDA study shows dentists’ fears over erosion of services

The British Dental Association (BDA) has published data from a survey showing that dentists are concerned their ability to care for their patients is being compromised at present.

More than half of salaried primary dental care service dentists said they had concerns about the impact the erosion of services is having on care quality, while three-quarters felt their clinics are understaffed.

Almost 50 percent of those polled believe their caseload was excessive, while a similar proportion were concerned that a lack of staff is creating longer waiting times and lower morale.

Other concerns raised by the survey pertain to a lack of clinical leadership and poor knowledge and understanding of the salaried service on the part of non-dental NHS managers.

Dr Peter Bateman, chair of the BDA's salaried dentists committee, said: "This survey highlights considerable pressure on salaried dentists from creeping erosion of their services and raises concerns about their ability to sustain high-quality care to the vulnerable patients they care for."

Last month, the industry body announced its support for an information campaign launched by the Office of Fair Trading that aims to ensure dental patients fully understand their rights and entitlements.