Potential dentists ‘could be deterred from profession due to costs’

UK dentists are growing increasingly concerned that the rising costs associated with training and education could damage the future prospects of the sector.

A new study by specialist financial services provider Wesleyan has revealed that 74 percent of current dental professionals believe these spiralling expenses, combined with diminishing financial incentives, will deter future generations from joining the trade.

Of those polled, 64 percent said rising costs and reduced profits are their biggest concerns for the next five years, with 63 percent citing the new dental contract and 55 percent mentioning changes to the NHS Pension Scheme.

Moreover, 31 percent of respondents stated that they would not recommend the profession to someone at the start of their career.

Samantha Porter, Wesleyan's group sales and marketing director, said: "We talk with dentists every day and keep on top of the issues affecting them. They are experiencing a great deal of change."

Many of these concerns have been raised in the past by the British Dental Association, which has hit out at the government over salary cuts for dental foundation trainees and the shortage of permanent posts for those completing dental training in recent months.