Do we care?

Back in April this column suggested that the NHS has let down young dentists by making it difficult, if not impossible to pursue their careers in general practice to a point where they can set up or purchase a practice. Do the pilots in process for a new NHS contract offer any hope for career progression for these dentists in the future or are our younger colleagues doomed to a life of reduced earnings and less professional autonomy and satisfaction than their older colleagues?

At first sight, the outlook from the pilots looks less than encouraging. Associates are being replaced with therapists when vacancies occur or are being asked to work longer hours for less pay. But it's not just in the pilots that there are problems for younger colleagues. Some UK graduates have found it difficult to find places on Foundation Training Schemes and will struggle to find employment in their chosen profession despite years of study and increasing burdens of debt.