A study of the community dental service in the UK

Abstract

Aim To profile the staff in the community dental service (CDS) in terms of qualifications, clinical service provisions and gender. Method Postal questionnaire to all clinical dental service managers in the United Kingdom. Results The response rate was in the order of 99%. A higher proportion (67.5%) of community dental staff are women, but they are more likely (P < 0.001) to work part time. There were a higher proportion of men (14.1%) in the most senior management grade when compared with women (6.1%). A postgraduate qualification is relatively common, but men are more likely (P < 0.001) to have a higher qualification. The CDS provides a wide range of services centering on clinical care for adults and children, special needs care, epidemiology and health promotion. Most managers tended to have a clinical role. Conclusions Women play an important part in the CDS. They are more likely to work part time, tend to occupy lower positions in the organisation and are less likely to have a postgraduate qualification than men.