The British Dental Association (BDA) has called on the UK Government to set out a clear plan of the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions following a recent survey of the profession in which nearly half (47%) of Dentists report that they are now likely to change their careers or seek early retirement.

With millions of dental appointments lost due to the first lockdown in England last year, the profession is under significant mounting pressure.  Data indicates that nearly 70% of appointments, equivalent to 28 million courses of treatment have been missed in the year from March 2020.  The BDA now estimates that this figure is probably closer to exceeding 30 million.

The survey also found that the levels of PPE required under current infection control procedures was having a devastating impact on dentist’s morale; with 78% of those surveyed citing financial uncertainty as well as the inability to provide pre-Covid levels of care to their patients.

Two thirds of NHS dentists surveyed estimated that they would not be able to meet the controversial imposed Government targets which came into effect on 1 January 2021. Around 41% indicated they were forced to refocus on routine over urgent appointments; and similar numbers said they have either reduced private work or reduced, and in some cases eliminated, annual leave.

The pressure in trying to see as many patients as possible has been impacted by the lack of capital funding for ventilation systems which would enable practices to increase patient numbers whilst adhering to infection control restrictions.  England remains the only UK nation where the Government has not committed or embarked on exploratory work to provide such capital.

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association’The pandemic has wiped out access for millions and taken a hammer blow to the workforce, with many now looking for the exit.

‘Practices have managed to hit punitive targets but at a terrible cost. Churning through appointments against the clock in heavy-duty PPE now risks an exodus from this service.

‘Fixing NHS dentistry will be impossible if dentists are left unwilling to work in it. We need a clear road map that lifts restrictions, provides needed support to all practices and makes a decisive break with a broken contract.’

Are you a dental professional facing doubts and uncertainties regarding your practice?

HealthHubble is proud to work with professional business coaches across a wide spectrum of disciplines.  The doubts and concerns felt by those within the dental profession due to the pandemic was the subject of an article by Alun Rees, The Dental Business Coach, first published in January 2021.  Click to read the full article and learn more.

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager