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Table 5 All scenarios cost minimization and workforce numbers outputs

From: Alternative scenarios: harnessing mid-level providers and evidence-based practice in primary dental care in England through operational research

 

Dental professional

DENTASSim clinical time in hours

DENTASSim WTE

Estimated NHS number of personnel required to meet total demand

Ratio of NHS personnel dentist to hygiene therapist

Minimum salary cost

Average salary cost

Maximum salary cost

% salary cost saving between no skill mix and other scenarios

Scenario 1: “No Skill Mix” (dentists only)

Dentists only

19,294,238

12,685

24,736

 

£478,410,847

£750,889,634

£1,023,368, 422

0%

Scenario 2: “Minimal Direct Access” 70% exams delegated +UPDA delegation rate

Dentists

9,633,574

6,334

12,351

1:1.3

£238,869,572

£374,917,681

£510 965,790

 

Dental therapists

9,660,664

6,606

16,513

 

£140,038,342

£185,616,859

£231,195,376

 

Total

   

28,864

 

£378,907,914

£560,534,540

£742,161, 167

38%

Scenario 3: “More Prevention” 50% of children receive fluoride varnish +UPDA delegation rate

Dentists

13,623,505

8,967

17,466

1.8:1

£338,185,478

£530,798,939

£723,412,400

 

Dental therapists

5,815,934

4,084

9,941

 

£86,572,892

£114,749,918

£142,926,945

18%

Total

   

27,407

 

£424,758,370

£645,548,858

£866,339, 345

 

Scenario 4: “Maximum Delegation” (delegation of 100%: examinations prevention, 50% of radiographs, tooth restoration and children’s extractions = 62.8% of total clinical time)

Dentists

7,290,502

4,801

9,346

1:2

£181,073,278

£284,203,521

£387,333,764

 

Dental therapists

11,913,515

8,199

20,365

 

£173,826,662

£230,402,321

£286,977,980

52%

Total

   

29,711

 

£354,899,939

£514,605,842

£674,311, 744

 
  1. Salary source is the National Careers Service: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx [33].
  2. Number of personnel is calculated based on working hours described by Robinson et al. [30], that is, WTE for clinical time (dental therapist 0.3 WTE; dentist 0.4 WTE).