14 December 2011
Patients’ confidence in dental professionals is high
New research, commissioned by the General Dental Council (GDC), has found 94% of patients are confident in the dental treatment they’re receiving and 95% are satisfied.
Two independent opinion surveys, one targeting dental professionals and the other patients and members of the public, have looked into issues surrounding the regulation of dentistry and the standards of treatment.
In the last 12 months alone 65% of those asked had visited a dentist and 70% were very or fairly confident that if they needed to make a complaint it would be resolved fairly, whether by the GDC or another appropriate body.
The surveys found that the public believe regulation and registration of dentists is important, but 44% of dental patients do not check whether their dentist or dental care professional is properly registered , which anyone can do on the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org
A significant majority of registrants (68%) are confident that the GDC is an effective regulator. Many identify with the GDC’s aims and agree that the GDC protects the patient (80%), has a clear regulatory role (72%) and is trustworthy (66%). 48% of dental professionals believe the level of regulation as a whole is about right, with 39% saying it is too much.
The research featured a series of questions that explored registrants’ views about standards and professionalism. The key drivers of patients’ confidence included: behaviour, quality of care and good communication. The results are being fed into the GDC’s wider review of its ‘Standards for dental professionals’ guidance. We have already run registrant events across the UK and issued an open call for feedback on our website. Early in 2012 we will also hold a formal consultation – so there is still a chance to have your say on this key piece of work.
Chief Executive and Registrar of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry said:
“The findings of this research will inform and influence our work in protecting patients. For example, the evidence about the value and importance for patients of communication and people skills is a key message being fed into the review of our Standards guidance for dental professionals that’s taking place at the moment.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Interviews with Evlynne Gilvarry are available on request through the press office.
The Annual Patient and Public Survey:
• The GDC commissioned ComRes to conduct a face to face survey of 1531 adults across the UK between 8 and 17 April 2011. Data were weighted to be representative of all adults. An additional booster sampled was conducted in Northern Ireland so as to ensure a robust sample size of 100 people was reached. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full data tables at
www.comres.co.uk
The Annual Survey of Registrants:
• The GDC commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct an online survey of 2,827 registrants between 26 May to 20 June 2011. Data are weighted to be representative of the known GDC registrant profile. The sample was sourced from the complete GDC Registrant database. Ipsos MORI is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Full details of the surveys can be found on the GDC website at: