Methods: A postal questionnaire survey of 180 dentists (response rate 75.6 percent) working in the Victorian public sector was undertaken to investigate the characteristics of public sector dentists, job satisfaction, remuneration, perceptions of public dentistry, future career intentions and issues that relate to recruitment and retention of staff.
Results: Victorian public dentists' main reason for entering the public sector was to work in a community based setting in a supportive and mentored environment. The main factors related to dentists leaving the public sector were poor remuneration, lack of clinical experience and frustration with administrative policies. Victoria's oral health workforce shortages in the public sector are mainly attributed to retention issues. The potential for mentoring and a desire for helping those in need were factors attracting dentists to work in the public sector.
Conclusion: A range of factors influenced retention in the public sector, and gradual frustration due to poor remuneration, lack of professional autonomy and lack of adequate and experienced support personnel were significant reasons for dentists to decide to leave the public sector.