September 2012

Volume 29, Issue 3

Professional careers of graduates from one UK dental school

Authors: M.A.H. Tomson D.A. White A.J.Morris
doi: 10.1922/CDH_2889Tomson05

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to consider reported working patterns of dentists and retention of the dental workforce. Method: Three cohorts of dental graduates from the University of Birmingham (n=505) were tracked using the General Dental Council (GDC) register to assess retention of the workforce. A questionnaire was sent to these graduates to explore changes in working patterns over time and to investigate the factors which had influenced their choice of job location. Results: A high proportion (90.9%) of the dental graduates included in this tracking exercise were found on the GDC register on the census date. A slightly higher proportion of female graduates (10.3%) than male graduates (8.0%) could not be traced on the current register (p=0.37). A change in working patterns over time was demonstrated, with more general dental practitioners reporting a shorter working week. ‘Availability of jobs’ was the factor reported by most respondents to be important in determining job location. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of changing work patterns over time. Furthermore, although the majority of the study sample remained on the GDC register, there appeared to have been a gradual loss of subjects from the dental workforce over time. Changes such as these may affect the provision of services and the impact of investment in training. Further research in this area is warranted. Key words: dental manpower, distribution, career mobility, geographic location, employment status, United Kingdom

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Dental Public Health in Action - The use of dental therapists as examiners in dental epidemiological surveys 195-197 Download
A service evaluation of patient pathways and care experiences of dentally anxious adult patients 198-202 Download
Assessment and validation of the oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) instrument among adults in Karnataka, South India 203-208 Download
The dental health of 5 year-old children living in Damascus, Syria 209-213 Download
Oral impacts and their association with tooth loss in Sri Lankan adults 214-218 Download
Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Older Adults in Central China 219-223 Download
High levels of periodontal disease among the older adult population in San Juan, Puerto Rico 224-228 Download
Caries in five different socio-economic clusters in Örebro county 229-232 Download
Root caries in 35-44 and 65-74 year-olds in Turkey 233-238 Download
Dental anxiety levels in British servicemen and women 239-242 Download
Sexual correlates of gagging and dental anxiety 243-247 Download
Oral hygiene education in adolescence based on the Precaution Adoption Process Model 248-251 Download
Professional careers of graduates from one UK dental school 252-256 Download

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