Aim: To assess the attitudes and opinions of NHS general dental practitioners towards clinical governance.
Design: This was a questionnaire based study, sent to NHS principal dentists within the West Midlands area.
Method: A Likert scale questionnaire was developed, consisting of 26 statements in four subject areas. It was internally and externally validated, and sent to 208 practices within four geographic areas.
Results: A total of 150 questionnaires were returned; a response rate of 72%. For each question, no significant difference was found between areas. The cost and time involved with clinical governance emerged as the most important issues, with many respondents considering that costs of implementation might make more dentists leave the NHS. Dentists were largely positive about the principles of clinical governance and evidence based practice, but were concerned about the possibility of increasing complaints and some doubted that it would result in improved patient care. Many respondents claimed to be still confused about clinical governance and the majority considered that more guidance should be available to assist with development within dental practice.
Conclusions: This survey showed that some problems exist around the introduction of clinical governance within NHS general dental practice.