A survey of the special care specialist workforce and its speciality trainees

Objectives 1) To explore the professional careers of the target population, including location; 2) to investigate their current role and working patterns; and 3) to explore the perceptions of the speciality and its future direction from the perspective of its workforce. Methods An online questionnaire survey of the special care dentistry workforce nationally was conducted in 2022 (MRA-21/22-29397) using Qualtrics Software. Participants were recruited via multiple professional routes. Data were exported and analysed in Microsoft Excel Version 16.77. Results Approximately half the target population responded (n = 164; 51%), comprising consultants (n = 50; 30%), specialist trainees (n = 23; 14%) and others (n = 91; 56%), such as specialists (Band C) and senior dental officers. Three-quarters of participants were female (n = 122; 75%), with over half working part-time (n = 94; 58%). Most practised in the community dental service (n = 83; 51%), followed by a combination of both hospital and community dental services (n = 32; 20%), and hospital dental service (n = 25; 16%). Specialists raised concerned about poor access to care for people with special care needs and the volume of inappropriate referrals to their services. Given an increasingly ageing and medically complex population nationally, almost all raised concerns about inadequate workforce capacity and coverage. Specific concerns related to training pathway provisions and the limited availability and accessibility of appropriately remunerated specialist roles. Conclusion The special care dentistry workforce is female-dominated with many part-time workers. Participants reported concerns regarding the size of the specialty, patient needs and training opportunities. Workforce planning, informed by modelling of anticipated population needs, and innovation care pathways are recommended to ensure an equitable future service.