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Attitudes regarding specialist referrals in periodontics

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Geoffrey Sharpe, Professor Justin DurhamORCiD, Professor Philip Preshaw

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Abstract

Objective: To examine the attitudes of dental practitioners towards specialist periodontal referral in the North East of England. Subjects and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 practitioners. Interviews continued until data saturation occurred. The data were organised using a framework and analysed by two researchers working independently. Results: Perceptions of periodontal disease and treatment appear to be heavily influenced by the NHS remuneration system. Treatment in general practice was limited to simple scaling and there was an apparent reluctance to treat advanced periodontitis. Such cases were commonly referred to specialists, confirming the demand for a referral service in periodontics. The perceived potential for medico-legal consequences was a strong driver of referrals. Distance to the referral centre and the perceived costs of treatment were significant barriers to referral. Dentists valued the specialist's personal reputation and clinical skills more highly than academic status. Deficiencies in communication between primary and secondary care were highlighted. Conclusions: Increased resources are required to manage periodontal diseases within the NHS. There is a need for a periodontal referral service in the North East of England to improve accessibility to specialist care. This would appear to be most appropriately delivered by increased numbers of specialist practitioners. © 2007 Nature Publishing Group.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Sharpe G, Durham JA, Preshaw PM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Dental Journal

Year: 2007

Volume: 202

Issue: 4

Pages: E11-

Print publication date: 24/02/2007

ISSN (print): 0007-0610

ISSN (electronic): 1476-5373

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2007.141

DOI: 10.1038/bdj.2007.141

PubMed id: 17308531


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
NIHR-CS-011-003Department of Health

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