Significant gap in dental workforce, says association

The ADG has estimated that the significant gap in the dental workforce means that the profession is unable to treat 4.5m patients annually. Data published by NHS England for the period to March 2024 has revealed that there are 2,749 full-time equivalent (FTE basis) NHS dentist vacancies, which make up 87 per cent of total dentist vacancies currently open - at 3,160 (FTE basis). These are roles that have been open for an average of 180 days per post, and most are more than three months old.

With 411 private vacancies (FTE basis) still open, the ADG has said it is clear that irrespective of the need for NHS contract reform, there is a system-wide shortage of dentists in the UK across the profession’s ‘mixed-economy’. The result of this gap in the dental workforce means that there is an issue with the number of patient treatments that can actually be carried out.