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Treatment planning for replacing missing teeth in UK general dental practice: current trends
P M Patel1, Christopher D Lynch, A J Sloan
1School of Dentistry, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|April 9, 2010
Summary
General dental practitioners express high confidence in routine tooth replacement methods like dentures and bridges. However, barriers exist for advanced treatments such as implants, influenced by National Health Service contract funding.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- General dental practitioners (GDPs) play a crucial role in tooth replacement therapies.
- Understanding practitioner confidence and barriers is vital for effective prosthodontic treatment delivery.
- The impact of healthcare policy changes, like the National Health Service (NHS) contract, on dental practice requires examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the confidence levels of GDPs regarding various tooth replacement methods.
- To identify barriers encountered by GDPs in providing prosthodontic treatments.
- To evaluate the perceived influence of the new NHS contract on the provision of tooth replacement options.
Main Methods:
- A pre-piloted postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 500 GDPs in Wales.
- The survey included open- and closed-ended questions to gather data on confidence, training, and attitudes.
- Data from 217 completed questionnaires (43.4% response rate) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- GDPs reported high confidence in providing removable partial dentures (RPDs) and conventional bridgework.
- Significant lack of confidence was reported for implants (81.4%) and fixed-fixed resin-bonded bridges (21.1%).
- Financial barriers and the NHS contract were cited as limitations, with privately funded patients more likely to receive advanced treatments like bridges or implants.
Conclusions:
- GDPs demonstrate confidence in established prosthodontic procedures but face challenges with newer or more complex treatments.
- The current NHS contract appears to influence treatment choices, potentially creating disparities based on patient funding.
- Further investigation into funding models and training is recommended to improve access to comprehensive tooth replacement options.
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