Dental News Recap. December 2024

1. Dental Market Trends The 2024 Dental Market Review by Christie & Co highlights a significant shift towards independent ownership, with corporate-owned practices declining by 3.3%. Transactions have surged, with a growing preference for private practices over NHS-funded ones. The sentiment among professionals remains positive, driven by increased patient demand and interest in digital dentistry. Future growth is expected from general dentistry and therapist-led NHS care, with market stability restored after previous disruptions.

2. Retaining Dental Practice Talent To retain top talent in dental practices, leadership must focus on employee engagement. Creating an environment where staff feel trusted, heard, and valued is crucial. Strong leadership, regular recognition, and understanding the practice's goals are essential. Engaged teams result from leaders who prioritise team success over individual tasks, fostering a positive and productive workplace.

3. Dentistry Graduates' Salaries A recent survey by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveals that dentistry graduates in the UK earn the highest salaries among all degree holders, with an average annual salary of £42,000. This is £7,000 more than graduates in medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The study also highlights that 97% of dentistry graduates are employed in high-skilled jobs, with the majority in full-time positions.

4. Increase in Dentistry Course Acceptance The acceptance rate for dentistry courses in the UK has increased by 5% in 2024 compared to the previous year. A total of 11,450 students were accepted through clearing, the highest since 2021, with 7,000 of them being 18-year-olds. The majority of these places were awarded to female applicants. Additionally, Queen's University Belfast was ranked as the top institution for dentistry for the second consecutive year.

5. Foundation Year in Dentistry Starting a foundation year in dentistry can be both exciting and daunting for recent graduates. Jawad Abbas, a new graduate, shares valuable advice on how to make the most of this crucial year. Key tips include brushing up on clinical basics, understanding the curriculum, and managing finances. Emphasising the importance of networking, seeking feedback, and embracing diverse patient cases, Abbas encourages new dentists to fully engage in their professional development.

6. Dental Recovery Plan The NHS dental recovery plan, released in February 2024, aimed to deliver more than 1.5 million additional NHS dentistry treatments. The plan included expanding access, launching the Smile for Life initiative, and supporting the dental workforce. However, a recent investigative report by the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals that while some progress has been made, many aspects of the plan are awaiting decisions by the new government.