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released: 24 Aug 2011 author: AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit media release

In Australia, the number of hours per year dentists spent working decreased between 1983 and 2010. The number of patient visits supplied per hour worked also fell over the same period. These declines were reflected in a decrease in the overall number of patient visits supplied by dentists per year.

ISSN 1445-775X ; ISBN 978-1-74249-187-5; Cat. no. DEN 212; 8pp.; Internet Only

Main findings

While the number of hours per year a dentist spent working was stable in 1983, the mean number of hours worked per dentist per year decreased by 2010.

There was also a decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per hour during the study period.

The observed decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per hour over the study period, along with a reduction in hours worked per dentist per year, was reflected in a decline in the number of patient visits supplied per dentist per year.

These findings may indicate a reduction in the overall mean level of service provided per dentist, an issue that could have implications for the capacity to supply dental services.

Recommended citation

AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2011. Visits supplied in dental practice in Australia. DSRU research report no. 55. Cat. no. DEN 212. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 12 June 2013 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737419689>.