The future of dentistry post-COVID-19: perspectives from Urgent Dental Care centre staff in England. Br Dent J 2021; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3405-1
The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the world of dentistry and created the biggest disruption to dental services within our lifetimes. Furthermore, the effect of this virus has exacerbated several existing issues and created several new conundrums facing NHS dentistry.
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This research compiled the views of 29 dentists and nine dental nurses who worked in Urgent Dental Care centres between June and August 2020. Through the interviews, five themes were identified as needing to be addressed to ensure the feasible future of NHS dental services.
The first theme looked into the backlog of patient care and access issues. Interviewees were alarmed about an already difficult-to-access system becoming even harder to access. Concern was also raised about waiting lists for secondary care services. Consequences of access issues included delayed diagnoses and increased recall intervals.
Theme two explored the sustainability of dental practices, highlighting concerns about restrictions limiting patient contact and the impact COVID-19 has had on patients' finances, leading to more patients expecting NHS treatments as opposed to private alternatives. The cost of PPE and the uncertainty around Brexit added to worries about practice finances.
The 'workforce sustainability' theme identified the theory that the pressure of COVID-19 may increase the already high risk of burnout and lead to an increase in dental professionals leaving the profession. Students and foundation dentists have also had much less exposure and experience than previous cohorts, which may be 'detrimental' to the future workforce and impact patient safety.
Clinicians highlighted the 'identity of dentistry' has evolved towards relieving pain and infection, and an increased need to focus on preventative measures. A suggestion was also made to align dentistry to a greater extent with general healthcare, due to the 'unique' role dentists have in addressing public health issues such as obesity.
The most frequently raised theme identified was 'contract reform'. Dismay was evident at the current UDA-based system in the long term and during the current pandemic. A move to a 'core' service was suggested, while identifying the need to avoid disadvantaging certain groups. Particularly associates seemed to prefer a move towards a salaried contract, while a capitation-based system was deemed unlikely.
These themes highlight the current climate of NHS dentistry, which is only going to worsen unless urgent action is taken to address these concerns. It also emphasises the need for preparation to respond to the public health emergencies of tomorrow.