​New research is published today on the post-Brexit intentions of EEA-qualified dental professionals working in the UK.

With almost one in five UK dentists, and around the same proportion of new applicants to the professional register each year, having qualified in the EEA, the General Dental Council (GDC) commissioned independent research to help understand the potential impact of Brexit on the UK registers of dental professionals.

Key findings from the report, which has just been finalised and includes both quantitative and qualitative elements, include:

• almost a third of those surveyed are considering leaving the UK in the next few years, although more than half of this group said this might change if their qualifications continue to be recognised
• of those intending to leave, more than eight in ten said that Brexit and the uncertainty about arrangements for EU citizens living and working in the UK was a significant factor in their reasoning
• 84% agreed that Brexit is leading to a shortage of healthcare workers in the UK and 75% agreed that it is leading to a shortage of dental professionals.

Since the 2016 referendum, the regulator has seen no evidence of EEA-qualified dental professionals leaving the UK registers, and this trend continued in the December 2018 dentists’ annual renewal.

Head of Regulatory Intelligence at the GDC, David Teeman, said: 'Exploring the intentions of people who are currently able to work in UK healthcare because their qualifications are recognised under EU legislation is essential.

'This research was undertaken before important issues have been resolved, such as recognition of qualifications, residency rights and access to the UK for existing and prospective dental professionals. Once these issues are settled, we are planning a further round of research which will aim to provide us with increased insight and aid us in our planning. We recognise the information could be useful to others, for example those involved in workforce planning, and will therefore be making it publicly available also.'

Whilst no publication date has been set for the second round of research, the regulator will publish the findings as soon as they are available.

Author: Julie Bissett