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Motivations for NHS dentistry in England
Ella Buckland1, Tom King2, Ryan Barnett2
1Policy and Research, British Dental Association, London, W1G 8YS, United Kingdom. ella.buckland@bda.org.
British Dental Journal
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Many dentists continue NHS dentistry due to patient care, but financial pressures create conflict. The desire to provide care is challenged by the rising costs, impacting their commitment to the National Health Service.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Background:
- General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) show a trend towards reduced National Health Service (NHS) commitment and increased private income.
- Despite this trend, a significant number of dentists remain engaged with NHS dentistry in England.
- Understanding the persistent motivations for NHS work is crucial amidst evolving dental practice landscapes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and identify the primary motivations of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) for initially joining and continuing to work within NHS General Dental Services in England.
- To analyze the push and pull factors influencing dentists' commitment to NHS dentistry in the 2024-25 context.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in-depth, online, semi-structured qualitative interviews.
- Engaged a diverse sample of 15 GDPs in England.
- Data collection occurred between September and October 2024.
Main Results:
- Two central themes emerged: patient-centered motivations and work condition factors.
- Financial pressures significantly impact GDPs, creating a conflict between ethical patient care and personal financial viability.
- Push and pull factors influencing dentists' decisions were identified.
Conclusions:
- Dentists' commitment to NHS dentistry is a complex interplay between patient care desires and personal financial considerations.
- While the aspiration to serve NHS patients persists, the financial sustainability of providing such care is increasingly challenging.
- Financial viability is becoming a dominant factor, potentially outweighing the intrinsic motivations for remaining in NHS dentistry.
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