New working patterns data published for dental care professionals

We have today published our latest working patterns data for dental care professionals (DCPs), providing valuable insights into how over 56,000 DCPs – 70% of the DCP register – work across the UK.

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. The responses represent 63,968 professional titles (70% of all registered DCP titles).

What the data tells us

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. 94% of DCPs work less than 40 hours a week. Nearly half (49%) work between 30 and 40 hours, while 45% work 30 hours or less. Around 28% work between 20 and 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. More than a third (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.

Differences across DCP roles

The data reveals interesting variations between different DCP titles:

Employment status differs significantly. While nearly four-fifths (79%) are employed, 65% of dental therapists and 68% of dental hygienists are self-employed or work as locum/agency workers.

Clinical dental technicians have a different employment pattern, with more than two-fifths (41%) being business owners or part owners, nearly a third (31%) self-employed, and more than a quarter (26%) employed.

Working patterns vary by role:

• 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 and 40 hours per week
• 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

The types of care provided vary significantly:

• More than three-fifths (61%) of clinical dental technicians provide fully private care
  
• Only 20% of dental therapists provide fully or predominantly NHS care
  
• More than two-fifths (43%) of orthodontic therapists provide a mix of NHS and private care, with 34% providing predominantly NHS care
  
• More than a third (38%) of dental nurses provide a mix of NHS and private care
  

Workplace locations differ by role:

• 64% of orthodontic therapists work in specialist dental practices
• Four-fifths (80%) of dental hygienists work in general dental practice
• 67% of dental technicians work in laboratories

Many dental hygienists and therapists work in multiple locations:

39% of dental hygienists regularly work in two locations, as do 38% of dental therapists. In contrast, 81% of dental nurses commonly work in just one location.

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.”

Why this data matters

The summary document includes detailed breakdowns for:

• Dentists
• All DCP titles combined
• Clinical dental technicians
• Dental hygienists
• Dental nurses
• Dental technicians
• Dental therapists
• Orthodontic therapists

This insight will help to improve the sector's understanding of how dental professionals work and inform discussions about future workforce resource planning.

The working patterns questions are optional for all dental professionals to complete during their annual renewal. We encourage DCPs to keep their information up to date, as this helps build a more complete picture of the workforce.