GDC publishes dentists' working patterns data

Two-thirds of UK dentists have now contributed to the largest dental workforce dataset

We have today published our second annual set of dentists' working patterns data, providing insights into how they are working across the UK.

Since November 2023, working patterns data has been collected from 30,066 dentists – representing two-thirds (66%) of the dentist register – making it the single largest source of up-to-date working patterns information from individual dental professionals across the four nations.

Dentists have been encouraged to partake in the working patterns survey when completing their annual renewal with the GDC. 

Nearly all the respondents (99%) are currently working in the dental sector, with 0.8% actively seeking work in the sector. The survey found that four out of five dentists work in England, with 11% in Scotland, 5% in Wales, and 4% in Northern Ireland. More than half (59%) are self-employed, agency workers or locums, while 20% are employees, and 16% are business owners or part-owners.

Other findings from the data include:

• 44% of dentists are working 30 hours per week or less.
• The majority (86%) work predominantly or fully in clinical roles.
• While 67% work in general dental practice, the remainder work across dental hospitals (6%), community dental services (5%), and other hospital settings (4%).
• 61% are regularly working in one location, whilst 39% are regularly working in more than one location. 
• 42% of dentists spend at least 75% of their time delivering NHS care, with 15% working exclusively in NHS settings.
• Conversely, 20% provide only private care, with a further 14% working predominantly (over 75% of their time) in private practice.
  

Theresa Thorp, Executive Director of Regulation at the GDC, said: “Two-thirds of registered dentists have now contributed to this comprehensive survey, providing us with an increasingly robust picture of dental workforce patterns.

"The data provides important insights on working hours, practice settings, and the balance between NHS and private provision. We’re confident that these insights will support strategic planning by health services, governments and dental providers, and ultimately, help patients receive the care they need.

"We're committed to continuing this work and encourage all dental professionals to regularly update their information, particularly when there are changes to their working pattern circumstances, helping us build an even more complete picture of the profession."