Audit of casual patient attendance at a restorative dentistry clinic

The aim of this prospective study was to audit casual attendance at the Conservation clinic of the School of Clinical Dentistry, Belfast. Details of 500 consecutive casual patient attendances were collected over a four month period. There were 253 male and 247 female patients with a mean age of 43.4 years. Fifty-eight percent of patients lived within five miles of the clinic with 16% travelling more than 15 miles. Sixty-five per cent of patients were self-referred, 27% were referred from within the School and 3% were referred from their General Dental Practitioner. Pulpal or endodontic problems were diagnosed in 42% of cases, 25% presented with loss of a crown or bridge and 14% complained of a pain-free loss of the filling. Half the patients were given a further appointment to attend the Conservation clinic while only 33% were directed to the General Dental Services for further care. It was concluded that the majority of casual attendees to the Conservation clinic were local residents who referred themselves for treatment. A minority of patients were currently under treatment at the School of Clinical Dentistry but over 65% remained their immediate responsibility. Recommendations for improvements in the current service were also made.