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The State of UK Dental Recruitment in 2025

The State of UK Dental Recruitment in 2025

What’s going on, what it means and what should you do.

The UK dental recruitment market is riding some serious waves right now.
There are big opportunities but also big challenges. If you’re a dental practice looking to hire, or a dental professional looking for your next move, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s going on.

 

Here are the key facts you need to know and how to act on them.

Big Numbers, Tight Market

  • According to the GDC, the number of registered dentists in the UK rose by around 3.1% in the latest year, up to about 45,580 dentists.

  • Yet at the same time, there were around 2,749 full-time equivalent NHS dentist vacancies at the end of March 2024. 

  • British Dental Association states that the full dental system, roughly 21% of NHS general dentist posts were vacant as of March 2024, that’s around half a million days of treatments lost. 

  • It’s estimated that 80% of dental practices are already affected by a lack of dental professionals. 

What it means:
Simply put even though more dentists are registering, the demand for dental professionals is outstripping supply. Practices are finding it harder to fill key roles, and candidates are in a position of strength.

The Candidate Landscape Has Shifted

  • Less than 1% of dentists surveyed (0.8%) are not practising but actively seeking work. 

  • Around 44% of dentists are working 30 hours or fewer per week. 

  • Generations Z and Millennials in dentistry are now placing emphasis on purpose, development, culture and flexibility not just pay. (dentistry.co.uk)

What this tells us:
The pool of actively looking candidates is small. Many dentists are already employed and only open to the right move. This means recruitment isn’t just about posting a job, it’s about attracting the right person with the right message.

Mixed Practices & Private Growth = Opportunity

With so many NHS posts vacant and increasing pressures on NHS dentistry, practices that offer a mixed model or are private-focused are seeing a strategic advantage.

 

Why:

  • Private and mixed practices have more flexibility with salary, structure and working conditions.

  • Candidates often prefer roles with a strong private element, better earning potential and clearer progression.

  • Practices that can offer modern equipment, good support (hygienist, team, patient coordinator) are particularly attractive.

Regional & Role-Specific Challenges

  • Some regions are more affected than others rural, coastal and less-served areas especially. 

  • Certain roles beyond just dentists such as dental nurses, hygienists, therapists are also under pressure.

  • Practices that don’t evolve their offering (culture, technology, flexibility) will struggle to stand out.

What Practices Should Do Now

For dental practices hiring in 2025, here are three smart moves:

 

  • Be proactive: Don’t wait until you’re desperate to hire. Engage early, build pipeline, and show your value.

  • Sell your role wisely: Highlight what makes your practice different: modern kit, strong team support, private earning potential, flexible hours.

  • Think long-term: Offer career development, training, progression especially as younger candidates want more than a job title.

What Candidates Should Focus On

If you’re a clinician making a move or just exploring your options:

 

  • Look for mixed / private roles: They often offer better earning potential and autonomy.

  • Value the culture: Technology, team support, practice philosophy matter.

  • Think flexibility: Work-life balance, training, and role clarity are becoming non-negotiables.

  • Don’t wait: The best roles don’t stay open long. Have your CV sharp, be ready to move.

In Summary

 

The UK dental recruitment market in 2025 is high-pressure for practices and for candidates.


But with challenge comes opportunity. The practices that succeed will be those that recognise the candidate’s power, invest in what makes them attractive, and move fast. The clinicians who benefit will be those who understand their value and choose roles that reflect more than just a title.

 

At Elev8 Search Group, we specialise in connecting the right people with the right places in the UK dental market. If you’re looking to hire, or ready to move your career forward, we’re here to help. 

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