There seems to be growing evidence that associates are getting to be in short supply.
This is not the first time that this has happened, but the position has been reasonably stable throughout the duration of the current NHS dental contract, with numbers having been bolstered by an influx of mainly European dentists and an increase in the number of training places.
Market conditions are less attractive for the European dentists who are also concerned about the implications of Brexit, and the laws of supply and demand are such that when a shortage occurs then the cost of supply increases.
The big difference between now and the last time that there was a significant shortage is of course the limitations of the NHS contract, governed by a fixed UDA rate and a fixed number of UDAs.
This is coupled with a general increase in the cost of operating a practice.
So, if you are faced with a situation where the cost of delivery increases significantly, will your practice be able to cope?
It may be time for some advanced strategy planning, which is something that we can deal with within our practice efficiency model.
To discuss in more detail, please contact [email protected] or call (0161) 652 3304.
Further details are on the website www.dentalconsultancy.co.uk.
