Motivations for NHS dentistry in England

Introduction While general dental practitioners (GDPs) are increasingly reported to have reduced NHS commitment and increase private income, a substantial number still remain working for the NHS. Aims Given the landscape of NHS dentistry in 2024-25, this study sought to better understand and establish why many dentists continue to work for the NHS General Dental Services in England and seeks to identify the motivations that led them to work for the NHS initially and continue to work for them. Materials and methods In-depth, online, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 15 GDPs in England between September and October 2024. Results The two key themes surrounding motivations for working within NHS dentistry focused on patients and conditions of work. Within these themes, multiple push and pull factors emerged, with financial pressures found to weigh heavily on GDPs, causing a conflict between doing ‘the right thing' for the patient and the cost of doing so to the dentist. Conclusion NHS commitment was found to be governed by patients versus personal finances. While there is a desire to stay working within NHS dentistry, providing care to patients, the financial viability of doing so has become difficult, surpassing motivations for wanting to stay.