Dental News Recap August 2024
Dental Market Review
The 2024 Dental Market Review by Christie & Co highlights key trends in the UK dental sector. Notably, there's a shift towards independent ownership, with corporate-owned practices declining by 3.3%. Transactions surged, with a growing preference for private practices over NHS-funded ones. Sentiment among professionals is generally positive, with increased patient demand and interest in digital dentistry. Future growth is expected from general dentistry and therapist-led NHS care, while market stability has been restored after previous disruptions.
Retain Dental Pracice Talent
To retain dental practice talent, leadership must focus on employee engagement. This involves creating an environment where staff feel trusted, heard, and valued, understanding the practice’s goals, and receiving regular recognition. Strong leadership is essential, with leaders setting the tone through their behavior and holding employees accountable. Engaged teams result from leaders who prioritise team success over individual tasks. This approach fosters a positive, productive workplace, helping practices retain top talent.
Dentistry Graduates Earn Highest 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, who earn £35,000 on average. The study also highlights that 97% of dentistry graduates are employed in high-skilled jobs, with the majority in full-time positions. Dentistry remains the most lucrative degree for new graduates.
Dentistry Courses Acceptance Rises
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, the 2024 Good University Guide ranked Queen’s University Belfast as the top institution for dentistry for the second consecutive year.
Dentistry Foundation Year
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. Ultimately, the foundation year is a chance to grow, learn, and build a strong career foundation.
