Professional attitudes to specialisation and minor oral surgery in general dental practice

A questionnaire was distributed to the general dental practitioners of Grampian Region to investigate their perception of the need, the advantages and disadvantages, qualifications and location, of a 'specialist' or 'specialist' practice in minor oral surgery. A 92% response rate was achieved. Nearly nine out of ten practitioners believed there was a need for such a 'specialist' with 85% being willing to refer to one. Up to 48% would refer more patients for minor oral surgery than they do at present. They envisaged reduced patient waiting and improved convenience as the main advantages of such a service. The patient paying for treatment and post-operative complications are perceived as the major disadvantages. The type of procedures that the practitioners expect a 'specialist' to undertake is as expected, although only 75% expect implants to be undertaken. Most practitioners, 86%, would prefer if the 'specialist' worked in a 'specialist' only practice. Other alternative venues would be viewed favourably with the 'specialist' working in another dental practice being the least favourable. Nearly nine out of ten practitioners believe that a qualification is necessary for such a 'specialist' and if a minor oral surgery qualification was introduced 73% of practitioners would regard it as the most appropriate qualification. Many practitioners in principle would attempt to gain it, 82% of practitioners would refer their private patient to a specialist with this qualification.