The working practices and career satisfaction of dental therapists in New Zealand

Authors

K. M. Ayers
A. M. Meldrum
W. Murray Thomson
J. T. Newton

Year of Publication

2007

Source

Community Dental Health, 24(4), 257-63

Publication Type

Journal article (peer reviewed)

Publication Status

Completed

Abstract

Survey of New Zealand dental therapists that examines their working practices and level of career satisfaction of dental therapists in New Zealand. Respondents reported a high career satisfaction, but were much less satisfied with their remuneration. After controlling for age and income satisfaction, therapists who felt that they were valued members of the dental community had over four times the odds of having higher overall job satisfaction. There were no differences in the mean career satisfaction scale score by age, but respondents aged 45 and over had a lower mean income satisfaction scale score than their younger counterparts. Older respondents were also more likely to report regularly placing fissure sealants, participating in peer review, and playing a role in team management/coordination than younger respondents. More than half of respondents planned to retire from dental therapy within 10 years.

Type of Study

Survey, Quantitative, Qualitative