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Patients' reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative study
Anwen L Cope1, Fiona Wood2, Nick A Francis2
1Cardiff, and Vale University Health Board, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff.
Summary
Many patients see a general practitioner (GP) for dental issues due to symptom interpretation, system navigation, and cost concerns. Addressing these barriers is key to improving dental care access.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Dental Public Health
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Approximately 380,000 dental consultations occur annually in UK general practice.
- Patients frequently consult general practitioners (GPs) for dental problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind patients consulting GPs for dental issues instead of dentists.
- To identify barriers to accessing timely dental care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 adults.
- Participants had consulted a UK GP for a dental problem within the past 12 months.
- Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts.
Main Results:
- Patient decisions were influenced by symptom interpretation and perceived scope of primary care.
- Ease of navigating medical versus dental systems played a role.
- Dental anxiety, dissatisfaction with prior treatment, and ability to pay impacted consultation choices.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors contribute to patients seeking GP care for dental problems.
- Interventions must address barriers to dental care access.
- Improved public information and GP signposting are needed, alongside better dental provider access to urgent care.