Sammanfattning
The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, there are too many or too few general dentists in the private dental health service. The data collection was carried out using a web based questionnaire. The study population was obtained from the membership register of the Norwegian Dental Association. The population then comprised 2 214 general dentists. An analysis of the non-responders showed that the sample was not skewed according to gender, age or place of residence.
Almost 40 % of the dentists in Oslo/Akershus and 22 % of dentists in the rest of the country had less than 1 500 patient consultations per year. The annual number of working hours was less than 1 000 for 20 % of the dentists in Oslo/Akershus, and 13 % for dentists in the rest of the country. 36 % of female dentists and 20 % of male dentists had less than 1500 consultations per year. Almost half of the private general dental practitioners could give an appointment for non-acute care within four days. Forty per cent indicated that they had spare capacity, and wanted a larger workload.
The study shows that there is spare capacity among private general dentists, not only in the region where dentist availability is the highest, but also in other regions of the country. Our findings do not support the policy of the authorities to increase the number of dentists trained.