New data comparison tool shows increase in dental clinical academic staffing levels

The interactive report also compiles data from previously published surveys and is freely available for use by all stakeholders.

The newest data shows a continued increase in the number of full-time clinical academic staff, a welcome trend that has seen a 40 per cent increase in staffing levels since 2004.

However, while overall employment is slowly on the rise, the number of clinical academics at professorial level has continued to decline, and there is instability of staff on research-active contracts. 

As discussions around the dental care workforce take place, monitoring clinical academia is more important than ever. Clinical academics work both in universities and the NHS, ensuring UK dental research and teaching remains cutting edge. The sector must therefore safeguard academic careers and encourage policy changes that maintain the positive trends in staffing levels we have seen in recent years.  

Professor Chris Deery, chair of the Dental Schools Council, says, “The continued increase in the number of clinical academic staff is a testament to the work that has been done, particularly by dental schools, to showcase the benefit clinical academia brings to UK dental care.