Purpose of study To explore the recruitment and retention of dental nurses and dental hygienists working in general dental practice in West Kent, and to identify training needs. Basic procedure Questionnaire survey of 195 general dental practices in West Kent. Main findings Problems with turnover of staff were reported by 19% of practices. Some 49% of practices reported difficulties in recruiting dental nurses, 6% had experienced difficulties recruiting dental hygienists, and 15% had difficulties recruiting both nurses and hygienists. The median length of service for both dental nurses and dental hygienists was five years. Approximately 39% of practices had advertised single posts three or more times. Difficulties in recruiting were related more strongly to ensuring the right person for the job, than to a shortage of applicants. Principal conclusions Difficulties in the recruitment and retention of dental nurses and dental hygienists were reported by dental practices in West Kent. These are likely to be exacerbated by the requirement that all dental nurses be registered with the General Dental Council.