There has been a 16% rise in the number of dentists who think they will leave the NHS within five years, a survey shows.
The sixth Confidence Monitor, carried out by Practice Plan, reveals 86% of NHS dentists do not see themselves in the NHS by 2023.
Of those intending to leave, 48% are moving to private dentistry, 28% are retiring and 24% are leaving the profession.
Joe Hendron, NHS dentist and owner of a former prototype practice, said the capped budget for dentistry restricts career progression and makes it more difficult for associates to become practice owners.
“As does the recent increase in control of practices by corporate businesses,” he added. “This will challenge the retention of dentists in the profession.”
The survey, reported by Dentistry.co.uk, also found 91% of NHS dentists do not feel as if they have enough time to manage patient expectations.
A further 91% feel unable to carry out their work without feeling overly stressed.
In contrast, of the private dentists who had left the NHS, 91% felt happier they have enough time to manage patient expectations and 71% felt able to carry out their work without being overly stressed.