Recruitment and Retention Strategies of Dental Commissioners

Recent changes to the arrangements for the delivery of primary dental care in Wales have placed responsibility for the commissioning of dental services with Local Health Boards (LHBs). Objectives: This study investigated the extent to which LHBs are encountering difficulties in the recruitment and retention of dental practitioners. In addition, current and future strategies to attract and retain dentists were ascertained. Methods: Data were collected via a postal questionnaire, comprising 38 items, mailed to all 22 LHBs in Wales. Results: 16 (72.7%) questionnaires were returned. Of these, 7 reported difficulty in recruiting dentists but just 2 indicated problems in retaining dentists. One quarter of those responding did not believe their current recruitment and retention policy as it relates to NHS dentistry to be effective. More than half were currently involved in the recruitment of overseas dentists. Targeting newly qualified dentists, provision of financial incentives, investment in high quality premises and liaison with the Postgraduate Deanery to offer high quality education and training programmes were rated as the most common components of current recruitment strategies, albeit, just one third of respondents currently engaged in these measures. Supporting dentists in managing change and establishing relationships with Continuing Professional Development tutors were seen as important in retaining dentists. Looking to the future, in addition to the above measures, 10 LHBs had aspirations for a student bursary scheme and 13 were positive about developing new roles such as dentists with a special interest. Conclusion: This study has established baseline practice and attitudes of LHBs to the recruitment and retention of dental staff. It is apparent that formal strategies are at an early stage of development and aspirations to improve on the current position are positive. Funding by Wales Local Health Boards is acknowledged gratefully.