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Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - workforce assets under stress: a qualitative study in England

British Dental Journal (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Background Multiple determinants influence dentists' health and wellbeing. In light of recent concerns, the aim of this research was to explore contemporary influences on dentists' health and wellbeing in England, drawing on their lived experience.

Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of dentists working in England, taking into account age, gender, career stage, work sector, geographical area, position and route of entry to registration. A topic guide, informed by the literature, was used to guide the discourse. Dentists were approached via gatekeepers, supported by snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Framework analysis was used, taking an interpretative phenomenological approach to develop theory.

Results Twenty dentists, from a range of backgrounds, participated in this research. While health and wellbeing was reported to be more positive among dentists in their later career, those in their early career and/or with high NHS work commitments shared concerns about their physical, psychological and emotional health. Influences ranged from macro-level issues relating to professional regulation and health systems, through meso-level, notably their workplace and job specification, to micro-level issues relating to their professional careers, relationships and personal life. Dentists highlighted ethical concerns and feeling driven to deliver, together with being demoralised by a survival culture, all leading to perceived lack of control and reduced professional fulfilment. In contrast, being able to deliver quality care, innovate and effect change, as well as being valued for their delivery, were perceived to positively contribute to general health and wellbeing.

Conclusion Dentists have a vital role in providing care for patients, so there are serious public health implications if urgent action is not taken to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing. This study confirms that dentists are affected by multiple contemporary influences, and although greater support is needed for individuals, organisational, system and policy changes may be required to fully address the challenges they face.

Key points

  • Highlights the wide range of contemporary influences on dentists' health and wellbeing, from macro- through meso- to micro-level.

  • Raises concerns that dentists, particularly those with high NHS primary care work commitments, are perceiving lack of control in their professional lives.

  • Dentists who were able to use their expertise to the full, in roles where they were able to deliver quality care and felt valued for their delivery, expressed greater confidence in their health and wellbeing.

  • Discusses the implications of retaining the dental workforce in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our profession.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Public Health England for funding this project, key gatekeepers across the country for their support in the recruitment process and all the dentists who participated in this study. Our thanks also to Dr Jim Aukett, who provided advice on an early version of this manuscript, and Sukriti KC who helped during its revision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King´s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, SE5 9RS, London, UK

    Jennifer E. Gallagher

  2. Former Post-Doctoral Research Associate, King´s College London, UK

    Fiorella B. Colonio-Salazar

  3. Former National Lead for Dental Public Health, Health Intelligence, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, Skipton House, Area B, 2nd floor, 80 London Road, SE1 6LH, London, UK

    Sandra White

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  1. Jennifer E. Gallagher
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  2. Fiorella B. Colonio-Salazar
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  3. Sandra White
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer E. Gallagher.

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SW and JEG work for Public Health England and FCS currently works for the National Audit Office. The views expressed do not represent the views of the above organisations.

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Gallagher, J., Colonio-Salazar, F. & White, S. Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - workforce assets under stress: a qualitative study in England. Br Dent J (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3130-9

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