Working patterns of dental care professionals vary by role, working hours, and the type of care provided, according to a new report from the General Dental Council (GDC).
The data, collected since the DCP Working Patterns Survey launched in June 2024, shows that 56,032 DCPs are currently working, or looking for work, in the dental sector across the UK.
And it shows that only a quarter of dentists delivery mostly NHS treatment.
Most DCPs were in clinical roles, with 87% doing some clinical work.
Nearly half (48%) said they worked in fully-clinical roles, while 17% were in predominantly-clinical roles (at least 75% of time).
Working hours vary across the profession showed that 94% of DCPs work less than 40 hours a week; nearly half (49%) work between 30-40 hours; while 45% work 30 hours or less.
Around 28% work between 20-30 hours per week.
The workforce delivers both NHS and private care.
Over a third (36%) deliver a mix of NHS and private dental care; more than a quarter (26%) spend at least 75% of their time delivering NHS care; and 36% spend at least 75% of their time delivering private care.
Dental nurses make up the largest group, accounting for more than three-quarters (77%) of responding DCPs, followed by dental hygienists (10%).
Most work in general dental practice.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of DCPs work in general dental practice, while around 12% work in specialist dental practice and 6% work in community settings.
The data reveals interesting variations between different DCP titles:
More than four fifths (82%) of dental hygienists work in fully-clinical roles, with nearly two thirds (63%) working less than 30 hours per week.
Nearly half (46%) of dental nurses work in fully-clinical roles, with half (50%) working between 30-40 hours per week.
And more than half (55%) of dental technicians work in fully non-clinical roles, primarily in laboratory settings (67%).
Clinical dental technicians have a mixed profile, with nearly two-thirds (63%) working in a mix of clinical and non-clinical roles.
More than three fifths (61%) of clinical dental technicians provide fully-private care; while only 20% of dental therapists provide fully or predominantly NHS care.
43% of orthodontic therapists provide a mix of NHS and private care, with 34% providing predominantly NHS care; and 38% of dental nurses provide a mix of NHS and private care.
64% of orthodontic therapists work in specialist dental practices.
Four fifths (80%) of dental hygienists work in general dental practice, and 67% of dental technicians work in laboratories.
Many dental hygienists and therapists also work in multiple locations:
Theresa Thorp, executive director of regulation at the GDC, said: “This is our second year collecting the working patterns data, and with a 70% response rate, we’re building a robust picture of how dental professionals work across the UK – from the diversity of employment patterns across different roles, to the balance of clinical and non-clinical work, and the mix of NHS and private care delivery.
“By continuing to build this picture, we are providing the sector with the transparent data it needs to make informed decisions about workforce planning, ultimately supporting better patient care.
“We’re grateful to the dental professionals who participated and the organisations that encouraged their members to take part.”