IADR Abstract Archives
Contemporary dental practice in New Zealand: demographic details and practising arrangements in 2016
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic profile and practising arrangements of general dental practitioners in New Zealand.
Methods: A questionnaire comprising of 19 sections and 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register.
Results: Of the respondents (53.5%, n=188), 63.5% (n=121) were male and 56.8% (n=67) were practice principals. 59.6% of the practices were located in city or towns, 29.9% were suburban and 10.4% in rural areas. Single-handed practitioners accounted for 24.1% of respondents (n=47), with the mean number of dentists and hygienists per practice being 3.2 and 1, respectively. 40.5% (n=78) of respondents had their first available appointment for non-urgent care patients within five working days. 71.6% of the respondents (n=136) attended five or more postgraduate courses in the past year. There was no significant association between location of practice and number of courses attended. Respondents stated that 80% of patients were treated on a private basis, 7% under dental benefits and 5% under ACC. 91.2% (n=170) of respondents used a computerized management system, 95.3% (n=179) had an internet connection and 95.1% used e-mails. Only 28.6% (n=53) of dentists used social media to communicate with patients, with the majority being based in cities. 62% of respondents owned an intra-oral camera, with 43% (n=82) using it routinely. Regarding new concepts, the use of nickel-titanium endo-files (83.9%), digital imaging (82.2%) and zirconium-based all ceramic bridgework (49.1%) were the most frequently cited innovations. Local anaesthesia was the most commonly employed method of pain control (95.2%).
Conclusions: Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with practitioners continuing to develop, learn and embrace advancements in technologies. General practitioners in New Zealand will need to continue supplying high quality evidence-based treatment to address the changing oral health needs of the population.
Methods: A questionnaire comprising of 19 sections and 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register.
Results: Of the respondents (53.5%, n=188), 63.5% (n=121) were male and 56.8% (n=67) were practice principals. 59.6% of the practices were located in city or towns, 29.9% were suburban and 10.4% in rural areas. Single-handed practitioners accounted for 24.1% of respondents (n=47), with the mean number of dentists and hygienists per practice being 3.2 and 1, respectively. 40.5% (n=78) of respondents had their first available appointment for non-urgent care patients within five working days. 71.6% of the respondents (n=136) attended five or more postgraduate courses in the past year. There was no significant association between location of practice and number of courses attended. Respondents stated that 80% of patients were treated on a private basis, 7% under dental benefits and 5% under ACC. 91.2% (n=170) of respondents used a computerized management system, 95.3% (n=179) had an internet connection and 95.1% used e-mails. Only 28.6% (n=53) of dentists used social media to communicate with patients, with the majority being based in cities. 62% of respondents owned an intra-oral camera, with 43% (n=82) using it routinely. Regarding new concepts, the use of nickel-titanium endo-files (83.9%), digital imaging (82.2%) and zirconium-based all ceramic bridgework (49.1%) were the most frequently cited innovations. Local anaesthesia was the most commonly employed method of pain control (95.2%).
Conclusions: Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with practitioners continuing to develop, learn and embrace advancements in technologies. General practitioners in New Zealand will need to continue supplying high quality evidence-based treatment to address the changing oral health needs of the population.