Potential risk factors for overtreatment in military dentistry

Recent studies in the National Health Service in Scotland have suggested that frequent changes of dentist, and frequent dental examinations, subject individuals to an increased risk of receiving dental treatment. The present study tested the influence of these two factors on dental health changes, the amount of dental treatment received, and restoration longevity in a population of 100 long-term members of the Royal Australian Air Force. Despite the predictions possible from the Scottish research, the present study failed to find any significant links between frequent attendance or frequent change of dentist and dental health or restoration longevity. However, the type of treatment provided appeared to be influenced by frequency of attendance and military rank.