North East dental practices ramp up recruitment campaign to fill gaps
Dental practices in the North East of England have ramped up recruitment campaigns to fill gaps in the workforce.
Practices across the region are advertising roles, with an immediate start available in many cases. Many employers have added incentives to lure dentists, dental nurses and hygienists to clinics based in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Morpeth, Gateshead, Newcastle and Durham.
The North East, like many regions across the UK, is battling a shortage of NHS dental professionals, which has contributed to practice closures and longer waiting times for NHS patients. Recently, a practice in Darlington confirmed that it was closing at the end of March due to recruitment issues and this is far from an isolated example.
To entice dental professionals to the North East, practices are offering more competitive pay rates and welcome bonuses, including a £1,000 ‘golden hello’ in some cases. There is a wide range of vacancies currently on offer, including dental nurse, dentist and dental assistant positions. Both private and NHS practices, as well as mixed clinics, are recruiting in the area.
Research conducted by the British Dental Association (BDA) suggests that around 3,000 dentists have left the NHS since 2020. This includes dentists who have retired, switched to private work or changed careers. Shortages are impacting patients across the UK, with a growing number unable to find an NHS practice offering new patient places.
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