Integration of primary care dental and medical services: a pilot investigation

During the past decade the development of primary care medical services has been based on the medico-social model of health care delivery and this has resulted in the creation of the primary care team. These changes have so far not involved the general dental services. It was therefore decided to test the potential for coordination and integration of general dental practice in the primary care services. This started by examining a general medical and a general dental practice, occupying the same site, but functioning separately. Around 24% of patients were common to both practices. The initial data collected from a pilot study have been analysed and assessed in relation to patient attendance, record systems, staff cooperation, screening programmes, health promotion, patient referrals and staff education. The potential of this model for improving patient care and targeting the pre-school, middle-aged and elderly is described. It is concluded that coordinated primary care dental and medical services is an important area for further health services and educational research.