Growing number of dentists ‘would not recommend their job to others’

The number of dentists who would not recommend their profession to friends and family members is on the rise, according to an industry survey.

A poll conducted by financial services provider Wesleyan has revealed that 50 percent of dentists said they would not recommend their line of work to loved ones- up from only 31 percent in 2014.

It was revealed that 81 percent dentists say the increasing cost of education and training, along with changes to pay and conditions, will deter future generations from choosing the profession, while 94 percent cited increased pressure caused by industry recent changes as a major issue.

The biggest worries identified included the introduction of the new NHS dental contract, rising costs in the profession and changes to the NHS Pension Scheme.

Judith Husband, a dentist and member of Wesleyan's members advisory board, said: "There are huge stresses in the dental profession and great unhappiness, even fear, regarding our regulator, not to mention an uncertain NHS future."

Despite this, 71 percent of those already working in the profession say they would choose the same line of work if they could start again, compared with 60 percent in 2014.