Gender and age-related differences in the pattern of complete denture referrals from general dental practitioners

This study was designed to identify gender and age-related differences among complete denture referrals from general dental practice to a dental teaching hospital over a 4 year period. Referral rates were calculated according to male/female ratios in the edentulous population. Although more women than men were referred overall, the proportion of males to females referred was similar to that in the edentulous population. Significant gender-related differences in referral patterns were identified, suggesting that edentulous males with complete denture problems, and aged 69 or less, made proportionately less use of hospital services, and proportionately more when aged 70 or over.