The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region (AFR) has 47 countries. The aim of this research was to review the oral health workforce (OHWF) comprising dentists, dental assistants and therapists, and dental prosthetic technicians in the AFR. OHWF data from a survey of all 47 member states were triangulated with the National Health Workforce Accounts and population data. Descriptive analysis of workforce trends and densities per 10,000 population from 2000 to 2019 was performed, and perceived workforce challenges/possible solutions were suggested. Linear regression modelling used the Human Development Index (HDI), years of schooling, dental schools, and levels of urbanization as predictors of dentist density. Despite a growth of 63.6% since 2010, the current workforce density of dentists (per 10,000 population) in the AFR remains very low at 0.44, with marked intra-regional inequity (Seychelles, 4.297; South Sudan 0.003). The stock of dentists just exceeds that of dental assistants/therapists (1:0.91). Workforce density of dentists and the OHWF overall was strongly associated with the HDI and mean years of schooling. The dominant perceived challenge was identified as ‘mal-distribution of the workforce (urban/rural)’ and ‘oral health’ being ‘considered low priority’. Action to ‘strengthen oral health policy’ and provide ‘incentives to work in underserved areas’ were considered important solutions in the region. Whilst utilising workforce skill mix contributes to overall capacity, there is a stark deficit of human resources for oral health in the AFR. There is an urgent need to strengthen policy, health, and education systems to expand the OHWF using innovative workforce models to meet the needs of this region and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The aim of this article is to encourage general dental practitioners (GDPs) to obtain feedback from patients on a regular basis and act on it. This article will familiarize clinicians with the current concepts of patient experience, patient satisfaction and patient reported outcome measures. It will explore the reasons why dentists should engage in seeking patients' opinions and will shed light on some of the validated questionnaires which are in use in the UK and internationally. Aspects of care considered important by patients are explored and important questions which should be included when developing individual practice questionnaires are highlighted. We build on previous Dental Update articles on this subject by taking the reader through the concept of the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle and how this can be utilized. This paper will not only allow dentists to improve and grow their practices, but also contribute towards clinical governance and the ethos of patient-centred care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article enables dental professionals to appreciate the importance of obtaining patient feedback on key issues relating to their dental care. It suggests ways in which dental teams could engage in obtaining patient feedback and act upon it to develop the quality of services.