Attitudes of New Zealand dentists, dental specialists and dental students towards employing dual-trained Oral Health graduates.

AIMS

To determine the attitudes of New Zealand dentists and dental specialists towards employing dual-trained Oral Health (dental therapy/dental hygiene) graduates, their knowledge of the scopes of practice and practising requirements for Oral Health (OH) graduates, and the barriers to employment of these graduates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to 600 dentists randomly selected from the Dental Council of New Zealand register, as well as all dental specialists on the register. All fifth-year dental students in 2008 were also surveyed.

RESULTS

The response rates for the questionnaires were 66.8% for dentists, 64.5% for dental specialists (specialists) and 72.9% for dental students. Knowledge of the scopes of practice and practising requirements for OH graduates was limited in some areas. Fifty-nine percent of private dental practitioners (PDP dentists) and 53% of specialists would consider employing an OH graduate. The main reason given for not employing an OH graduate was insufficient physical space in the practice.

CONCLUSION

New Zealand dentists and dental specialists were receptive to employing OH graduates. Knowledge of the OH scopes of practice and practising requirements is likely to improve as more OH students graduate and start work. The OH graduates have the potential to make a valuable contribution to the dental team.