Methods: The main methods included a self-administered survey posted to 481 GDPs (of whom 180 responded), semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 40 participants drawn from different dental staff groups, a focus group discussion with PCT representatives and a series of open workshops attended by dental practitioners, PCT and training establishment staff.
Results: Key findings addressed four broad themes: staff shortages in NHS dentistry; recruitment and retention; the value of vocational trainee positions; and attitudes to current policy. All respondent groups showed a clear awareness of a substantial shortage of NHS dentists in the local area together with a serious concern over the shortage of qualified dental nurses. The increasing moves towards private dentistry and earlier retirement are perceived as the main determinants for dentist shortages. Issues such as work-related stress, demanding levels of bureaucracy and dissatisfaction with the remuneration system for NHS dentists dominated. Private work was associated with greater financial benefits and a better quality service. Mixed views were obtained regarding advantages of vocational trainee positions and a range of concerns exist over the proposal to enhance the therapist's role.
Conclusions: Our findings reflected a substantial breadth and depth of opinion. The use of qualitative techniques in a multi-method workforce study provided a detailed insight into the behavioural aspects of a local dental workforce. The combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques demonstrate a pragmatic methodological approach which contributes usefully to the development of evidence-based dental care.