Related Experiment Videos
Dentistry. Filling in time
S Silvester1, M Calnan, P Taylor-Gooby
1Centre for Health Services, Kent University.
The Health Service Journal
|January 6, 2000
Summary
Dentists are doing more private work, with many believing NHS dentistry fees harm quality. A significant number suspect government plans to privatize dental services.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- National Health Service (NHS) dentistry faces scrutiny regarding quality and funding.
- Dentists' perceptions of private practice versus NHS work are evolving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trends in private work among dentists.
- To understand dentists' views on NHS dentistry fees and quality.
- To gauge dentists' perceptions of potential privatization of dental services.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted.
- 1,000 dentists participated in the survey.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in the amount of private work undertaken by dentists was reported.
- Many dentists expressed concerns that fees for NHS dentistry negatively impact service quality.
- A substantial proportion of dentists perceived a government intention to privatize dental care.
Conclusions:
- Dentists report a shift towards private practice, potentially driven by concerns over NHS dentistry quality.
- Perceptions of privatization indicate potential challenges for the future of public dental services.