The data, collected since the DCP working patterns survey launched in June 2024, shows that 56,032 DCPs are currently working or looking for work in the dental sector. The responses represent 63,968 professional titles (70% of all registered DCP titles).
What the data tells us
Most DCPs were in clinical roles, with 87% doing some clinical work. Nearly half (48%) said they worked in fully clinical roles, while 17% were in predominantly clinical roles (at least 75% of time).
Working hours vary across the profession. 94% of DCPs work less than 40 hours a week. Nearly half (49%) work between 30 and 40 hours, while 45% work 30 hours or less. Around 28% work between 20 and 30 hours per week.
The workforce delivers both NHS and private care. Over a third (36%) deliver a mix of NHS and private dental care. More than a quarter (26%) spend at least 75% of their time delivering NHS care. More than a third (36%) spend at least 75% of their time delivering private care.
Dental nurses make up the largest group, accounting for more than three-quarters (77%) of responding DCPs, followed by dental hygienists (10%).
Most work in general dental practice. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of DCPs work in general dental practice, while around 12% work in specialist dental practice and 6% work in community settings.
To read the full report follow the link, this gives a basis to look at a number of things – one of our many asks is that more respond to the data request going forward. https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/news/detail/2025/10/23/new-working-patterns-data-published-for-dental-care-professionals?fbclid=IwY2xjawNnMUZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKclBOVFJtem1PSHVlV2gyAR6M30NCanK1RJpy1HsEEmQxOn5OV_aD2SgVJITK1d1MyGpGbxY6WnwNVhmKNw_aem_Hp_tdMbhQGOonQrxCWR2cg
The Society are committed to staying close to the statistics and,of course, the reality. We remain concerned that the data for student dental nurses is not available, and this means that we have no idea of how many students are in training or who leave midway through their training. This is concerning; how can we plan or build a future workforce without this information? We certainly consider this an area as a leaky pipeline and we will continue to push for a resolution on this.