The prediction of dentists' work behaviour; factors affecting choice or intention in the treatment of special need patients.

The present study was undertaken as part of an overall strategy to develop a co-ordinated dental health care programme for special need patients between general dental practitioners and the community dental service. The beliefs, attitudes and work behaviours of the practitioners were examined, using the theory of reasoned action, in order to highlight perceived difficulties associated with treating this particular patient group as well as to find those dentists willing to treat and carry out domiciliary dental care for them. The results demonstrated that those dentists who had previous experience of treating special need patients and carrying out a variety of domiciliary dental treatments intended to provide dental care for this group. Furthermore, the dentists differed in their evaluations with regard to beliefs and attitude. Those dentists who intended to provide dental care appeared to have more positive attitudes and were able to assess and perceive the relevance as well as the reality of their own beliefs in the light of their previous working behaviours.