Table 2.

Time away from the profession has been beneficial

Participant	Quote
Male, 60 and over, England, suffered financially	'Nice weather, less stress, more time for other interests. Apart from limitations of movement, what's not to like?'
Female, 30-39, England, currently working as a dentist, associate, 50-74% NHS, suffered financially	'Loved the break from dentistry'
Female, 40-49, England, currently working as a dentist, associate, 75-99% NHS	'I haven't missed dentistry at all. It has been a break I never thought I'd have from an absolutely awful job'
Male, 50-59, Scotland, currently working as a dentist, GDP, 75-99% NHS, suffered financially	'I think the equation is pretty straightforward. Subtract manic NHS dentistry from life = contentment'
Male, 50-59, England, currently working as a dentist, practice owner, 0% NHS, suffered financially, mental health suffered	'[...] whilst I've chosen to enjoy the decent weather and time away from work, I can understand that others may have struggled with this. UK dentistry is in a complete mess and private practices have been thrown under the bus'