Recruitment and retention of dental nurses and dental hygienists in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the recruitment and retention of dental nurses and dental hygienists working in general dental practice in West Kent, and to identify training needs.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey of 195 general dental practices in West Kent.


RESULTS
Problems with turnover of staff were reported by 19% of practices. Some 49% of practices reported difficulties in recruiting dental nurses, 6% had experienced difficulties recruiting dental hygienists, and 15% had difficulties recruiting both nurses and hygienists. The median length of service for both dental nurses and dental hygienists was five years. Approximately 39% of practices had advertised single posts three or more times. Difficulties in recruiting were related more strongly to ensuring the right person for the job, than to a shortage of applicants.


CONCLUSIONS
Difficulties in the recruitment and retention of dental nurses and dental hygienists were reported by dental practices in West Kent. These are likely to be exacerbated by the requirement that all dental nurses be registered with the General Dental Council.
Allen
Christopher D
CD
Department of Dental Public Health and Oral Health Services Research, GKT Dental Institute, London, UK.
Newton
Paul D
PD
Newton
J Tim
JT
D003726:Dental Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D004739:England; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce