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Practice profile differences among Swedish dentists. A questionnaire study with special reference to prosthodontics
M Kronström1, S Palmqvist, T Eriksson
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|November 25, 1997
Summary
Swedish general practitioners show varied prosthodontic practice profiles. Men and private practitioners dedicate more time to adult and fixed prosthodontic services, but refer fewer cases to specialists.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Prosthodontics
- Public Health Dentistry
Background:
- Prosthodontic practice patterns among general dental practitioners can vary significantly.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing dental education and patient care.
- Differences may exist based on practitioner demographics and employment systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare prosthodontic practice profiles of general dental practitioners in Sweden.
- To identify variations in practice based on sex and dental care system (private vs. public).
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 2100 general dental practitioners in Sweden.
- A response rate of 76% was achieved.
- Data on practice characteristics, time allocation, and specialist referrals were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in prosthodontic practice were observed, differing by sex and dental care system.
- Male dentists and private practitioners reported higher weekly working hours and more time spent on prosthodontics and adult care.
- Private practitioners focused more on fixed prosthodontics, while public dental services produced more removable dentures; private practitioners referred fewer cases to specialists.
Conclusions:
- Prosthodontic practice profiles in Sweden are diverse, with notable differences between male and female dentists, and between private and public sectors.
- While private practitioners invest more time in prosthodontics, particularly fixed services, they engage less with prosthodontic specialists compared to their public sector counterparts.