As calls are made for the expansion of training places in dentistry, we spoke with leading dental experts on what they think is needed to address workforce shortages.
The Dental Schools Council – which represents UK dental schools – has outlined a number of recommendations for addressing workforce shortages in a new report called Fixing NHS Dentistry.
The report calls for a number of actions, including the expansion of training places for dentistry, dental hygiene and dental therapy.
We hear from some leading figures in the profession about whether they support the recommendations:
Bill Sharpling, chair of the faculty of clinical dental technology and dental technology, College of General Dentistry
‘The Dental Schools Council’s call for an expansion of training places is timely and important, and I fully support the ambition to strengthen the dental workforce. It’s encouraging to see recognition of dental hygienists and dental therapists, whose roles are increasingly central to NHS care delivery.
‘However, the report does not mention clinical dental technicians (CDTs) or dental technicians (DTs) – yet both play a critical role in providing essential restorative and prosthodontic care, with CDTs in particular supporting denture-wearing patients who are often older and among the most underserved.’
He added: ‘As we look to future-proof the workforce, it’s vital that training opportunities and strategic planning include the full dental team. I’m…
He added: ‘As we look to future-proof the workforce, it’s vital that training opportunities and strategic planning include the full dental team. I’m…
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