The community and public dental services: a mixed-method exploration of the workforce

Aims This exploratory study is the first in a series of two examining the working conditions of the community and public dental services in the UK to provide insight, context and understanding on their current status.Methods Secondary analysis of census data was supplemented by qualitative analysis of interview data from community and public dental service dentists. Demographic and working conditions data were examined and interview participants discussed their role, service and patients, potential service improvements and how they saw the services developing.Results Overall, dentists were satisfied with their role but did not feel secure in their job and worked more hours than they were contracted to. Interviews identified three key themes: 1) personal - aspects affecting the interviewee on a personal level; 2) patients - aspects affecting patients; and 3) service - aspects relating to the service. Services had changed and were seen, in part, to have become more efficient, but some clinicians thought the focus had moved away from patients.Conclusions Overall, clinicians enjoyed their role, but while services were seen to provide good patient care, dentists felt under pressure. Changes to general dental practice, management practices and increased funding were believed likely to improve the services.