Objectives: To determine current demographic details of dental specialist registrars in the UK, to examine their current working patterns and ascertain their future career aspirations.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered postal questionnaire of all 418 dental specialist registrars (SpRs) in the UK.
Results: The response rate was 78%. Of the SpRs who responded 59% were male, the majority were aged under 36, 54% were married and over one third had dependants. Orthodontics had the greatest number of SpRs with 141, followed by maxillofacial surgery (70) and restorative dentistry (52). On completion of training, 80% of SpRs intended to work full time. Significantly more women intended to work part-time. Only a fifth of SpRs said they would consider an academic appointment compared with 54% for specialist practice. Three quarters intended to work partly in the public sector and partly in a private capacity. London was the most popular choice of location for a post in the future. Access to a wide range of clinical work, continuing professional development, autonomy and sociability were the most important factors when considering their future choice of career.
Conclusion: Changes in the demographic profile of dental specialists and increasing opportunities for providing care within primary care may lead to difficulties in recruitment to academic and hospital posts. Increasing provision of specialist services in the 'high street' might improve access but could lead to inequalities unless these services are commissioned according to the needs of the population.