22 Australian Dental Journal 2007;52:1. Non-working dental therapists: opportunities to ameliorate workforce shortages E Kruger,* K Smith,* M Tennant* Abstract Background: Workforce development is a critical factor allowing delivery on government health priorities. Against a backdrop of increasing demand for dental therapists being significantly higher than the levels of recruitment, it is widely acknowledged that rural and remote areas (having greater recruitment and retention issues) will face a significant shortfall in therapist numbers as the workforce shortages take hold in dentistry. This study analysed the reasons for dental therapists leaving the profession, and factors that would promote the recruitment and retention of dental therapists, especially in rural and remote areas. Methods: A postal survey was undertaken amongst all registered dental therapists in Western Australia between the years 1999–2003. Results: Of all respondents, 28 per cent indicated that they do not work as dental therapists anymore. A number of reasons for leaving the profession were highlighted, including family reasons, career change, poor salaries, relocation, illness and injury, and stress. To increase retention and recruitment of dental therapists to rural areas, a number of opportunities were highlighted by respondents, including increased salaries, living support, travel assistance, access to continuing education, recruitment of more rural students and more flexibility (including job sharing). Conclusion: This survey has highlighted various opportunities to recruit and retain dental therapists in their profession and to increase the numbers of rural dental therapists. A broad integrated rural retention strategy is necessary to address these issues among the dental therapy workforce. Key words: Dental therapy, workforce, rural, recruitment and retention. (Accepted for publication 16 June 2006.) INTRODUCTION In Western Australia, most dental care for school aged children is provided by dental therapists under supervision of dentists through the School Dental Service. A strong School Dental Service programme has coincided with significantly improved oral health of children in WA. 1 In 2000, Western Australia had the highest number of dental therapists per 100 000 residents (17.6). 2 However, 40 per cent of these therapists were registered to work in the private sector in keeping with the wider legislative framework that operates in WA. 3 This compares with the national practising rate of 6.6 dental therapists per 100 000 people, with an estimated total of 1260 therapists in Australia. In order to maintain this overall rate in 2015, it is estimated that an average national recruitment of 110 dental therapists per year is required. 4 However, the annual rate of decline in practising numbers is projected to increase as the workforce is ageing. 4 The 2004 intake for dental therapy in Western Australia was eight students and the 2005 intake was 10 students. 5 Workforce development is a critical factor allowing delivery on government health priorities. 6 Against this backdrop of increasing demand for dental therapists being significantly higher than the levels of recruitment, it is widely acknowledged that rural and remote areas (having greater recruitment and retention issues) will face a significant shortfall in therapist numbers as the workforce shortages take hold in dentistry. 6 One opportunity for reducing the decline in the dental therapy workforce is identifying the issues leading to the attrition of the profession. This study analysed the reasons for dental therapists leaving the profession, and factors that would promote the recruitment and retention of dental therapists in rural and remote areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 2002, the Centre for Rural and Remote Oral Health undertook an oral health workforce survey in rural and remote Western Australia, and the results of this survey indicated that a high number of dental therapists, although registered, are not actively participating in the oral health workforce. 5 In 2004, a *The Centre for Rural and Remote Oral Health, The University of Western Australia. Australian Dental Journal 2007;52:(1):22-25 ADRF RESEARCH REPORT