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Factors influencing dental trainees' choice of training programme and working patterns: a mixed-methods study

British Dental Journal volume 230, pages 363–368 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Aims To assess the training programme and future career choices of newly qualified dental trainees.

Methods Mixed-methods study combining a national questionnaire with focus groups administered to dental foundation trainees (DFTs) in England. Two regions chose not to participate; therefore, the questionnaire was sent to 588 DFTs and 226 (38.4%) responded. Forty-one DFTs participated in six regional focus groups.

Results Location was the primary factor when choosing a training post, with 86% wanting to live and work near friends and family. Other influencers included affordability, availability of good training facilities and transport links, and proximity to their dental school. Focus group data found that perceived higher-quality training schemes were chosen over location in some circumstances. Most trainees wanted a career as an associate (67%) rather than a practice partner (32%) or owner (27%). Thirty-one percent aimed to practise on a private basis and 40% wanted to remain within the NHS. Women were significantly more likely than men to consider part-time working patterns (X2(2) = 9.761, p = 0.002). Part-time working was attractive as many found full-time clinical dentistry too stressful.

Conclusions Geographical location is the key influencer on where dentists want to work and consideration needs to be given to interventions to address geographical disparities in graduate destinations. The strong desire to work part-time raises concerns about current workforce planning.

Key points

  • Part-time working patterns appeal to newly qualified dentists.

  • Trainees primarily choose training posts based on location.

  • Trainees can choose training posts that they perceive to offer better training even if this is in a less popular location.

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Acknowledgements

With thanks to Health Education England (HEE) North West and the wider Advancing Dental Care team for supporting the research with funding for the transcription service and allowing staff to support the focus groups. Special thanks to HEE staff Paul Leavy, Emily Hall and Alexandra Coleman for travelling the country to host focus groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Manchester, Division of Dentistry, Coupland 3 Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    Francesca Thomson, Richard Macey & Lucy O’Malley

  2. Professor of Dental Public Health & Primary Care, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH, UK

    Martin Tickle

Authors
  1. Francesca Thomson
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  2. Richard Macey
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Correspondence to Francesca Thomson.

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Thomson, F., Macey, R., O’Malley, L. et al. Factors influencing dental trainees' choice of training programme and working patterns: a mixed-methods study. Br Dent J 230, 363–368 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2725-5

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