Valuing and retaining the dental workforce: a mixed-methods exploration of workforce sustainability in the North East of England

Findings highlight critical systemic barriers that threaten workforce sustainability in NHS dentistry. Addressing career progression pathways, improving collaboration, reforming contracts, and enhancing professional support systems are essential for sector stability. Without coordinated action from employers and policymakers, NHS dentistry will remain unsustainable, necessitating urgent interventions to support workforce retention and service provision.