Is Dentistry Headed for a Workforce Crisis?

The UK dental sector has been under increasing pressure over the past few years. From long NHS waiting lists to practices struggling to recruit and retain staff, many within the profession are asking the same question: is dentistry headed for a workforce crisis?

While dentistry has always faced cyclical staffing challenges, current trends suggest that the situation may be more structural and long-term. In this article, we explore the key factors driving workforce shortages, how they are affecting practices and patients, and what can be done to address the issue.

Rising Demand, Shrinking Capacity

Demand for dental care in the UK continues to grow. An ageing population, increased awareness of oral health, and greater demand for cosmetic and preventative treatments have all contributed to busier practices.

At the same time, capacity is shrinking. Many practices report unfilled vacancies for dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, and therapists. This imbalance between demand and available professionals is one of the clearest indicators of a potential workforce crisis.

Why Are Dentists Leaving NHS Dentistry?

One of the most significant contributors to workforce pressure is the steady movement of dentists away from NHS dentistry.

Commonly cited reasons include:

• High workload and time pressure
• Administrative and regulatory burden
• Financial constraints under NHS contracts
• Limited flexibility and autonomy

As a result, many dentists are reducing their NHS commitment, moving fully into private practice, or leaving clinical dentistry altogether. This shift places additional strain on NHS access and increases pressure on remaining clinicians.

Recruitment Challenges Across the Dental Team

The issue is not limited to dentists alone. Dental nurses, hygienists, and therapists are also in short supply.

Dental nursing, in particular, has seen high turnover rates. Factors such as relatively low pay, limited career progression, and increased responsibilities have made it harder to attract and retain staff. Without a stable and supported dental team, practices struggle to operate efficiently, regardless of dentist availability.

The Impact of Burnout and Wellbeing

Burnout is becoming increasingly common within dentistry. Long hours, clinical pressures, and the emotional demands of patient care have taken a toll on mental health across the profession.

For many dental professionals, the pandemic acted as a tipping point, accelerating decisions to cut hours, take career breaks, or leave the profession entirely. Unless wellbeing and work-life balance are addressed, workforce attrition is likely to continue.

International Recruitment and Its Limits

International recruitment has historically helped fill workforce gaps in UK dentistry. However, this solution is becoming more complex.

Lengthy registration processes, visa requirements, and increased global competition for dental professionals mean overseas recruitment is no longer a quick or guaranteed fix. While international dentists remain an important part of the workforce, relying on this route alone is unlikely to resolve systemic shortages.

What Does This Mean for Dental Practices?

For practice owners and managers, workforce challenges have real operational and financial consequences.

These include:

• Reduced appointment availability
• Increased reliance on locum and temporary staff
• Higher recruitment costs
• Greater pressure on existing team members

Practices that cannot recruit effectively may be forced to limit services, reduce NHS contracts, or, in extreme cases, close their doors.

Is a Workforce Crisis Inevitable?

While the warning signs are clear, a full-scale workforce crisis is not inevitable.

Addressing the issue requires a combination of structural reform, better workforce planning, and more flexible working options. Improving pay, career development, and working conditions for the entire dental team will be critical in retaining existing professionals.

Equally important is embracing more agile staffing models, including part-time roles, portfolio careers, and locum work, which can help practices remain resilient while meeting the changing expectations of dental professionals.

How MedMatch Dental Can Help

At MedMatch Dental, we work closely with dental practices and professionals across the UK to navigate these workforce challenges.

Whether you are a practice looking to recruit permanent or locum staff, or a dental professional seeking flexible, rewarding opportunities, our specialist team understands the realities of today’s dental workforce. By matching the right people to the right roles, we help practices maintain continuity of care while supporting clinicians in building sustainable careers.

Final Thoughts

The UK dental sector is undoubtedly at a crossroads. Without meaningful change, workforce pressures will continue to grow. However, with proactive recruitment strategies, improved working conditions, and a renewed focus on wellbeing and flexibility, dentistry can adapt and remain a rewarding profession.

The question is not just whether dentistry is headed for a workforce crisis, but how the industry chooses to respond.