The General Dental Council (GDC) recently carried out a survey of over 3,600 dental professionals. 
The aim of the survey was to determine how dentists view their profession in the light of the downturn in 2008 and sluggish economic recovery today.
Interestingly, more than a third of respondents (37%) were optimistic for the future. This is up 2% from a similar survey last year.
Another 31% (down 2%) were pessimistic, while the remainder were unsure.
Researchers also found that dentists were confident in their governing body – the GDC, with 67% believing it is doing a good job as a regulator.
This confidence was even higher amongst allied professionals such as dental hygienists.
Oddly though, while it is to be welcomed that dentists are growing in confidence and optimism for their profession, another report found some major problems which may temper this optimism.
While the dental profession maybe generally optimistic, individual dentists and dental practices are struggling financially.
A survey published in the fourth edition of Dentistry UK Market Report suggests that money spent on dentistry has dropped by 13% from a high during the period 2009-10.
The reduction in spending by the general public is right across the board in both private and NHS practices.
Report authors cite the effects of the government’s austerity measures. Dentistry is perceived as a luxury rather than a health benefit when times are hard.
However, while economic fluctuations do affect the dental profession as it does other sectors, it appears dentists are adversely affected this time round.
Dentists, especially corporate-owned practices, are however fighting back. They are seemingly using techniques normally applied to consumerism to fight for a smaller market share.
Whether or not this works is questionable. Moreover, where does this leave NHS dentistry?
Despite reports that money is being reported into NHS dentistry, one expert believes the continual drive with austerity will make it very difficult to offer widespread NHS dentistry in the coming years.
It will be interesting to see whether this optimism will continue next year.
