K E Ahmed1, C A Murray2, C J Whitters3. 1. Clinical Academic Fellow, Clinical Dentistry Department, Restorative Dentistry Group, University of Glasgow Dental School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ. 2. Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dubai School of Dental Medicine, Dubai Healthcare City, PO Box 505097, Dubai - U.A.E. 3. Clinical Scientist/Honorary Lecturer, Department of Clinical Physics/Clinical Dentistry, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, G2 3JZ.
Abstract
AIM: To provide a descriptive investigation of general dental practitioners' (GDPs) referrals to Glasgow Dental Hospital and School for management of tooth wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patient-referrals were reviewed over a 12 month period. A questionnaire was also completed by patients and three reviewing consultants to identify patient demographics, patient perception, consultant's diagnosis and referral outcome. RESULTS: Overall survey return-rate was 67% of 124 included referrals. Males represented 72% of referrals compared to 28% for females (p = 0.001). A significant percentage of patients inhabited the most-deprived areas (59%, p = 0.002). Sixty-one percent of patients were aware of their tooth wear within the past five years. Aesthetics was the primary concern for 54% of patients (p = 0.001). Attrition was the main aetiology of tooth wear in 51% of referrals (p = 0.001). Ninety-two percent of patients (n = 76/83) did not require specialist treatment and were consequently returned to their GDP, referred for hypnotherapy or reviewed later. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between social deprivation and tooth wear in GDP referrals to a secondary care dental facility. Males aware of their tooth wear for the preceding five years, presenting with appearance as their main complaint and displaying evidence of attrition were more likely to be referred by GDPs for specialist management or advice.
AIM: To provide a descriptive investigation of general dental practitioners' (GDPs) referrals to Glasgow Dental Hospital and School for management of tooth wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patient-referrals were reviewed over a 12 month period. A questionnaire was also completed by patients and three reviewing consultants to identify patient demographics, patient perception, consultant's diagnosis and referral outcome. RESULTS: Overall survey return-rate was 67% of 124 included referrals. Males represented 72% of referrals compared to 28% for females (p = 0.001). A significant percentage of patients inhabited the most-deprived areas (59%, p = 0.002). Sixty-one percent of patients were aware of their tooth wear within the past five years. Aesthetics was the primary concern for 54% of patients (p = 0.001). Attrition was the main aetiology of tooth wear in 51% of referrals (p = 0.001). Ninety-two percent of patients (n = 76/83) did not require specialist treatment and were consequently returned to their GDP, referred for hypnotherapy or reviewed later. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between social deprivation and tooth wear in GDP referrals to a secondary care dental facility. Males aware of their tooth wear for the preceding five years, presenting with appearance as their main complaint and displaying evidence of attrition were more likely to be referred by GDPs for specialist management or advice.
Authors: S H de Carvalho Sales-Peres; S Goya; J J de Araújo; A Sales-Peres; J R P Lauris; M A R Buzalaf Journal: Public Health Date: 2008-07-07 Impact factor: 2.427