[What do General Practitioners and Dentists Report about their Cooperation? A Qualitative Exploration]

Against the background of well-described associations between oral and general health, the cooperation between general practitioners (GPs) and dentists is crucial. Besides treatment, this includes prevention. Administrative referral between these two professions is not provided by statute. Thus, the study addresses the question: How do dentists and GPs integrate the associations between oral and systemic health in daily routine?

A total of 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs and dentists from 3 structurally different regions in the Federal State of Baden-Wurttemberg. Participants were visited in their office. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by 2 dentists and sociologists using Mayrings' qualitative content analysis.

Associations between general and oral health are partially known to both practitioners. However, contact between them is limited. GPs send patients directly to dentists, without contacting them - mainly due to a desolate dental status, rarely due to therapy-resistant headache or facial pain. Dentists contact GPs to clarify mainly medication or anticoagulation medications taken by patients prior to invasive procedures. Preventive aspects play a minor part. Consultation essentially depends on acquaintanceship.

Separation by statute determines the cooperation. Oral cavity in daily care is demarcated. Holistic patient care is hindered by a lack of knowledge and daily routines.