ArticleBMC health services research2025
Employment experiences of the oral health workforce in rural New South Wales: a qualitative study.
Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Perspectives of Oral Health Practitioners Working in Rural New South Wales: Culture, Wellbeing and Workforce Sustainability.Australian dental journal · 2026Article
- Exploring community members' perceptions of oral health in rural South Africa.BMC oral health · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
introductionRural oral health practitioners in New South Wales (NSW) face unique challenges related to workforce shortages, professional isolation and limited access to specialist services. Despite the critical role in delivering oral health care to rural communities, there is limited research examining the experiences of this workforce. This study aims to explore the clinical, cultural and personal dimensions of their experiences.
methodsThis qualitative study utilises an inductive research design and follows Braun and Clarke's framework for thematic analysis. Virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with five oral health practitioners working in three participating rural Local Health Districts (LHDs) in NSW.
resultsFour key, interconnected themes were identified: (1) workforce recruitment and retention difficulties, (2) financial challenges and inadequate rural incentives, (3) barriers to accessing professional development opportunities, and (4) limitations to specialised oral health services access.
conclusionThis study highlights the complex challenges faced by rural oral health practitioners in NSW. Addressing workforce shortages, improving financial incentives, expanding CPD access and strengthening service delivery models are crucial for sustaining the rural oral health workforce. Targeted policy interventions and support systems are needed to enhance workforce retention and improve oral health access and therefore, outcomes, in rural communities.
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