As part of the BDA’s evidence submission to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration, we conducted research to gather information from dentists in the salaried primary dental care service (SPDCS) on morale and motivation.
The main findings from the survey included the following:
More than half of respondents reported that their morale was low or very low.
Participants most commonly cited inadequate staffing levels in their service and an inability or unwillingness to fill vacant positions as the issues which were having the greatest impacting on their morale.
Over two-fifths of participants did not consider their pay fair and a third were not satisfied with the terms and conditions of their employment.
Only a third of salaried dentists felt that they receive recognition for the work that they do.
Less than half of salaried dentists felt that their supervisor was doing a good job.
Two in five salaried dentists often think about leaving the salaried services. Only a third would recommend a career in the salaried services.
Almost half of participants believe their current caseload is excessive.
The majority of participants felt they were unable to see patients as frequently as clinically necessary due to their excessive caseload.
Almost three-quarters of participants felt that their service was currently understaffed.
Participants stated that the main impact of the understaffing in the service has been on patient waiting times and increased pressure on staff.
The summary report or the full report are available to download below.
