This blog explores how the dental jobs market has become increasingly candidate-led, with dental professionals placing greater importance on location, team culture, flexibility, work-life balance, training, and remuneration, sharing key findings from the Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Insights Report and the Henry Schein Trusted Partner Report.
Key Takeaways:
- Recruitment in the dental industry has changed, with candidates often able to be more selective about the roles they consider.
- A third of UK dental practices offering NHS dentistry stated that recruitment is one of their biggest challenges, with candidates prioritising location and team strength above pay according to the Trusted Partner Report.
- The Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Insights Report shows rising expectations around part-time working, UDA rates, private splits, hourly rates, and locum day rates.
- Dental practices can regain ownership by benchmarking roles, positioning opportunities clearly, moving quickly, and being open to negotiation.
- Henry Schein Dental Recruitment can help dental practices understand the market, shape competitive offers, reach suitable candidates, pre-screen applicants, coordinate interviews, and manage feedback.
Key Takeaways:
- Recruitment in the dental industry has changed, with candidates often able to be more selective about the roles they consider.
- A third of UK dental practices offering NHS dentistry stated that recruitment is one of their biggest challenges, with candidates prioritising location and team strength above pay according to the Trusted Partner Report.
- The Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Insights Report shows rising expectations around part-time working, UDA rates, private splits, hourly rates, and locum day rates.
- Dental practices can regain ownership by benchmarking roles, positioning opportunities clearly, moving quickly, and being open to negotiation.
- Henry Schein Dental Recruitment can help dental practices understand the market, shape competitive offers, reach suitable candidates, pre-screen applicants, coordinate interviews, and manage feedback.
What Is The Current State Of The Dental Jobs Market In The UK?
With a third of UK practices offering NHS dentistry stating that recruitment is one of their biggest challenges,1 if you are struggling to recruit for your dental practice, you are not alone.
Workforce shortages are causing an increase in competition between dental practices, often giving candidates the “upper hand” – which is great news if you’re looking to change career path, but less so if you are trying to recruit.
But what candidates are really looking for may surprise you. While pay does factor into the decision-making process, according to the Henry Schein Trusted Partner Report, it is no longer their highest priority. Instead, today’s dental professional prioritises location above all else, followed by a strong team,1 as well as flexibility and work-life balance. Working within a practice that prioritises personal growth is also of high importance, with 44% of dental professionals looking to prioritise their training and education within the next year.1
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The Trusted Partner Report
Download our exclusive white paper today to unlock comprehensive insights into the dental industry.
Dental Recruitment Insights Report 2026
At Henry Schein Dental Recruitment, our goal is to help practices understand the market, shape a competitive offer, reach suitable candidates, and keep the entire recruitment process flowing seamlessly.
Utilising our internal database of more than 48,000 dental professionals, Henry Schein Dental Recruitment advertises roles across multiple job boards, pre-screens candidates, coordinates interviews, and manages feedback, helping you find your perfect match, without the stress.
“There’s a common perception that using an agency to recruit is costly. But recruitment agency fees only come into play when a successful candidate starts with you. This means our team of recruitment experts do a whole range of things before you are charged a penny.”
Lorna Morton, Recruitment Team Manager, Henry Schein Dental Recruitment
“There’s a common perception that using an agency to recruit is costly. But recruitment agency fees only come into play when a successful candidate starts with you. This means our team of recruitment experts do a whole range of things before you are charged a penny.”
Lorna Morton, Recruitment Team Manager, Henry Schein Dental Recruitment
“There’s a common perception that using an agency to recruit is costly. But recruitment agency fees only come into play when a successful candidate starts with you. This means our team of recruitment experts do a whole range of things before you are charged a penny.”
Lorna Morton, Recruitment Team Manager, Henry Schein Dental Recruitment
1. Why is dental recruitment difficult in the UK?
2. What do dental candidates look for in a new role?
3. How can dental practices recruit staff more effectively?
4. How can Henry Schein Dental Recruitment help my practice recruit?
5. Do dental recruitment agencies charge upfront fee?
6. How can dental practices improve staff retention?
