The industrialisation of the dental profession.
This paper arises from a dissertation submitted to the University of Nottingham towards a Masters Degree in Clinical Education. The purpose of the paper is to describe and name the process that the dental profession is experiencing. The authors will argue that this phenomenon has all the hallmarks of an industrialisation process. It will become clear that this industrialisation process is not confined to the dental profession in the UK. The key drivers for this process are described, followed by the results and analysis of a small-scale research project designed to explore the reactions of professionals to the new methods of working. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications for dental education in this new era.
Hoyle and Harris Dental Practice, Dudley St, Grimsby, NE Lincolnshire. johnandjoyc@tiscali.co.uk
J
J
Cottingham
A
A
Toy
D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003729:Dental Care / Q000592:standards*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D033161:Government Regulation; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014941:Work Simplification