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08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
A dental workforce review for a Midlands Strategic Health Authority
P Hornby1, E Stokes, W Russell
1Centre for Health Planning and Management, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG. hma28@hpm.keele.ac.uk
British Dental Journal
|May 30, 2006
Summary
NHS general dental services (GDS) in Shropshire and Staffordshire face a dentist shortage due to early retirements and policy dissatisfaction. Increased involvement of dental hygienists and therapists offers a solution for workforce development.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Healthcare Workforce Planning
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The National Health Service (NHS) general dental services (GDS) in Shropshire and Staffordshire are experiencing workforce challenges.
- Understanding the current GDS workforce capacity and identifying development opportunities is crucial for service provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore opportunities for workforce development within NHS GDS in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
- To identify factors contributing to current workforce shortages and propose solutions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized secondary data sources and conducted primary surveys of GDS practices.
- Employed qualitative techniques, including interviews and a focus group, to gather data on workforce issues and perceptions.
- Developed a profile of the existing GDS workforce and assessed its current capacity.
Main Results:
- Confirmed a significant shortage of dentists in the specified regions.
- Identified key factors contributing to the shortage: dentists transitioning to private practice, early retirement, and dissatisfaction with NHS policies and remuneration.
- Modeling indicated that increased utilization of dental hygienists and therapists could meet future workforce demands.
Conclusions:
- The study provides localized evidence to guide dental service development in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
- Offers a foundation for exploring innovative working models within dental services.
- Aims to enhance the effective implementation of new and evolving service strategies for NHS GDS.
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