Careers of dentists undertaking a medical qualification

The careers of doubly-qualified dentists have been re-examined, 12 years after the report by Henderson, Liversedge and James (1977). Three groups of medically qualified dentists were analysed. (a) those qualifying before 1960; (b) those qualifying between 1960 and 1975; (c) those qualifying since 1975. An increased proportion of those embarking on a medical qualification fail to return to a dental career, despite a stated intention to do so. There appears to be a 'wastage' to dentistry of approximately 40% of those dentists who subsequently obtain a medical qualification. Of those who do return, most practice hospital specialties at consultant level.