A longitudinal study into changing ethical attitudes of newly-qualified dentists in South-East England

To report the ethical stances taken by newly-qualified dental graduates working in the south-east of England and how these changed over their first two years in practice.

A longitudinal self-completed questionnaire-based study using scenarios and closed questions was completed by an initial group of 135 vocational dental practitioners at the very beginning of their vocational training year, at the end of the year, and, finally, at the end of the subsequent year. Their answers were then analysed to see whether or not their views had changed during this period.

At the commencement of the study in 2003, 133 (99%) newly-qualified dental graduates completed the questionnaire and answered the closed questions. The following year, 129 (96%) completed these documents and in 2005, at the end of the study, this figure was 97 (72%). There was considerable variation in the attitudes taken by the responding dentists. Reported attitudes changed over the study period in seven of the nine scenarios. Responses to the scenarios used could be grouped into three categories: those in which there was no change; those in which the change happened following completion of vocational training; and those in which there was a continual change. Answers to the four closed questions indicated a growing negativity to practice within the National Health Service over the study period.

Dental educators need to be aware of the findings from this study. The importance of the ethical attitudes held and the reasons underpinning them should be explored if problems with delivery of care are to be avoided in the future.