Abstract
Background To determine the demographic profile and practising arrangements of general dentists in New Zealand. Methods A questionnaire comprising 19 sections with 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand's 2016 register. Results Two hundred and four questionnaires were returned, of which 188 were usable giving a response rate of 53.5%. The majority of the respondents (63.5%) were male and practice principals (56.8%). Fifty-nine percent of the practices were located in city or town centres with a wide geographic distribution. Sole practitioners accounted for 24.1% of respondents, with the mean number of dentists per practice being 3.2. The majority of respondents (71.6%) attended five or more continuing professional development courses in the past year. Ninety-one percent of respondents used a computerized management system, and 95.3% used the Internet. The use of nickel-titanium endodontic files (83.9%) and digital imaging (82.2%) was the most frequently cited clinical innovations. Articaine was the most popular local anaesthetic of choice. Conclusions Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with evidence that NZ dentists continue to develop, learn, and embrace advancements in technologies to supply high-quality evidence-based treatment.
Highlights
Patterns of dental disease have changed dramatically over the past quarter century
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among general dentists practising in New Zealand who were holding a current annual practising certificate (APC) from the Dental Council of New Zealand in 2016
A covering letter, paper copy of the questionnaire, consent form, envelope to return the completed survey form, and $5 coffee voucher were distributed in 2016 to the selected participants. e Questionnaire used in this study was previously validated in a similar UK-based study [5, 8]. e current questionnaire was modified to suit New Zealand dental practitioners and was piloted, prior to distribution amongst 10 New Zealand dental practitioners
Summary
Patterns of dental disease have changed dramatically over the past quarter century. Public awareness of the benefits of good oral health has increased, and the impact of advances in personal and public prevention strategies, including fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water supplies, is being realised. E changing oral health needs of the population highlight the task at hand for the dental profession in treating dental disease and maintaining oral health and quality of life for patients. Social media have been used to promote new dental technologies and advertise private dental practices, as well as to share dental research [5]. A questionnaire comprising 19 sections with 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register. E majority of respondents (71.6%) attended five or more continuing professional development courses in the past year. Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with evidence that NZ dentists continue to develop, learn, and embrace advancements in technologies to supply high-quality evidence-based treatment
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