Research abstract
British Dental Journal 202202, E24 (2007)
Published online: 23 March 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.270
Perspectives of dentists in primary care ahead of the 'new ways of working'
W. O. Baird1, R. J. Jackson2, L. S. Worthington3 & P. G. Robinson4
- A series of focus groups were performed to investigate perspectives and motivations relating to the introduction of the 'new ways of working.'
- Some dental practitioners relayed dissatisfaction with the clarity of information provided by the Government in relation to the details of the new contract.
- The resulting uncertainty makes it difficult for GDPs to plan future practice activity and commitment to NHS dentistry.
- There is a strong need for communication, information and openness between the Government, PCTs and GDPs during this period of organisational change.
- Support and guidance for GDPs are crucial.
Abstract
Objective To determine the future intentions and motivations of general dental practitioners (GDPs) relating to NHS dental practice in South Yorkshire.
Design Focus group discussions.
Setting General dental practices providing NHS care within South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Subjects (materials) and methods Twenty-nine dental practitioners were purposively sampled and invited to take part in a series of focus groups. Focus groups were transcribed and data analysed to identify themes and concepts.
Main outcome measures Themes and concepts relating to the current and future provision of dentistry and the proposed 'new ways of working' of the new dental contract.
Results The data fell into three broad categories: the organisational structures of dentistry; the future of dentistry; and the CDS. This paper focuses largely on the second category, the future of NHS dentistry. The first category related to the organisational structures of dentistry, and encompassed perceptions that dentistry was not a high priority for the Government and that current changes were politically motivated and to be implemented by PCTs with a lack of capacity for the management of such wide-reaching changes. The second category covered the future of NHS dentistry. For some, NHS dentistry was in a precarious and uncertain position, coupled with a lack of clarity and information on the 'new ways of working' and exacerbated by problems in the recruitment and retention of future dental practitioners. The last category dealt with views in connection with the CDS.
Conclusion(s) In this 'snapshot in time' there was considerable uncertainty and instability within the general dental service against a backdrop of major organisational change. There was a need for information, guidance, openness and communication between the Government, PCTs and GDPs surrounding the implementation of the new contract.
- Lecturer in Health Services Research, Section of Public Health, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA
- Research Associate, Section of Public Health, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA
- Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean, South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority, Don Valley House, Savile Street East, Sheffield, S4 7UQ
- Professor of Dental Public Health, Department of Oral Health and Development, 1st Floor, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA
Correspondence to: W. O. Baird1 e-mail: w.o.baird@sheffield.ac.uk
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