Five years in the community dental service: clinicians' perspectives.

Introduction Community dentists in England treat patients classed as vulnerable. The services in which they operate have faced challenges, with these known to have affected clinicians. It is important to monitor and understand the workforce and the effect the healthcare landscape, and its changes, has on them and the service they provide.

Psychological distress and the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK dentists during a national lockdown.

Introduction Dentists are known to function under stressful conditions. It is important to monitor, examine and understand the psychological effects the unprecedented challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had.Aims To compare levels of psychological distress in UK dentists, before and during the pandemic, to determine if this was affected.

Commissioning in the community dental services: what do dentists think?

Aims This study aims to elucidate the thoughts and experiences of community dental service (CDS) dentists on procurement. Interviews were conducted and accompanied by secondary analysis of census data.Methods Demographics and working conditions were examined and interview participants discussed the tendering process.

The community and public dental services: a mixed-method exploration of the workforce.

Aims This exploratory study is the first in a series of two examining the working conditions of the community and public dental services in the UK to provide insight, context and understanding on their current status.Methods Secondary analysis of census data was supplemented by qualitative analysis of interview data from community and public dental service dentists. Demographic and working conditions data were examined and interview participants discussed their role, service and patients, potential service improvements and how they saw the services developing.

Stress, psychological distress, burnout and perfectionism in UK dental students.

Introduction With an emphasis on good grades and a high level of performance, studying dentistry can be stressful and may attract a greater number of students with perfectionist strivings. Prolonged stress can lead to mental ill-health, including a risk of burnout and psychological distress.Aims To examine the level and sources of stress, psychological distress and burnout in UK dental students.