Over a third of Dental Hygienists (35%) who took part in a new survey say they are not able to take breaks during the day to eat or drink, and 32% say the impact of staff shortages on the delivery of quality care is affecting their mental health.
The Dental Protection survey of over 1,300 dental professionals in the UK, including almost 350 hygienists and therapists, showed similar results for Dental Therapists, with 30% feeling unable to stop for a break and 38% worrying about the effect of staff shortages on patients.
Dr Yvonne Shaw, Deputy Dental Director at Dental Protection said: “Dentistry is still a rewarding profession – being able to improve oral health and the quality of life of the public is a privilege which instils a sense of professional satisfaction. However, morale in the profession seems to be at a low ebb, and wellbeing concerns are central to this.
“Demand for dental services remains high, the environment is increasingly challenging and there is a limit on what can be done within available capacity. Clearly some dental professionals are not taking breaks during the working day and are skipping meals, foregoing essential nourishment as a result. This is exacerbated by work overload and staff shortages.
“Dental professionals are among the most dedicated healthcare professionals, so I am not surprised that many put the concerns of their patients before their own; however, not stopping to eat and drink is concerning both for the health of the dental team and the adverse impact this can have on the delivery of care.
“One of the many problems with staff shortages is the knock-on effect on the mental health of remaining staff who risk becoming exhausted and/or demotivated. Over half of our members tell us they are worrying about how exhaustion and burnout are impacting the safe delivery of patient care. The effect of not being able to provide optimum standards of care on any healthcare professional’s mental health – due to external factors and pressures outside of their control – cannot be overstated.
“I would encourage members experiencing work-related stress to make use of our 24/7 counselling service and other wellbeing support which is a benefit of membership with Dental Protection. The service is provided through a third-party partner and is completely confidential.”
Dental Hygienists and Therapists who participated in the Dental Protection survey commented anonymously:
“Dental Hygienists are expected to be able to deliver high quality care in 20-minute appointments.”
“Being a hygienist of 33 years working part time now, there is a lot of pressure to get patients in. This is not really how I wanted to end lovely career.”
“The job is no longer about providing patient care. It’s now about making sure we tick every box so we meet targets set. The pressure to deliver this care while we are so busy, see patients double booked or sit and waits, it’s enormous and I have considered moving professions.”
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Notes to editors
For further information contact pressoffice@medicalprotection.org
- The Dental Protection survey was completed by 1,379 dental members in the UK, including 74 Dental Therapists and 271 Dental Hygienists. The survey was in the field from 20 March to 17 April 2023.
Key findings:
- 42% of Dental Therapists and 28% of Dental Hygienists worry about the impact of exhaustion or burnout on patient care.
- 30% of Dental Therapists and 35% of Dental Hygienists are not able to take breaks during the day to eat/drink.
- 38% of Dental Therapists and 32% of Dental Hygienists worry about the impact of staff shortages on the delivery of quality care.
