The BDTA’s recent research project investigating practice procedures revealed that volumes have generally declined with 66% of respondents doing more than 100 oral exams in an average month, compared with 85% in 2009.  Cosmetic procedures such as inlays, tooth whitening and veneers were also reported as suffering declines in volume terms.

The research also investigated dentists’ attitudes towards the adoption of new technologies and training, some of the other key findings were as follows:

• Significant proportions of respondents invested in Intra oral cameras, Intra oral digital sensors or phosphor plates and Panoramic digital sensors in 2010.
• More than one in ten respondents (12%) intend to purchase Intra oral digital sensors or phosphor plates in the next 12 months.
• The decision factors motivating the purchase of a new technology remain consistent with previous years, with peer recommendation (61%), and lectures/seminars (58%) the main factors.
• 92% of dental practices have internet access within the practice.
• The most influential information on training courses remains similar to the previous year, with journals/magazines (78%) and postgraduate institutes (75%) the main sources.
• The internet appears to be growing in influence as a source of information on training and 43% of respondents stated they are likely to increase the amount of online training in the future.
• Restorative dentistry (69%) was the most frequently cited topic of interest.

Almost 300 dentists participated in the research which was conducted by post and online towards the end of 2010.  The BDTA would like to thank all those who participated in the research.  A donation has been made to Bridge2Aid for every completed questionnaire returned.

For further information on the BDTA visit www.bdta.org.uk