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Defensive dental behaviour: illusion or reality?

M A Eijkman1, M H Assink, I M Hofmans-Okkes

  • 1ACTA, Dept. of Social Dentistry and Dental Health Education, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

International Dental Journal
|February 4, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Defensive medicine, or defensive practice, appears common in dentistry, with dentists sometimes performing unnecessary treatments or referrals. This pilot study suggests financial factors and patient behavior influence these decisions, not fear of lawsuits.

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Area of Science:

  • Dentistry
  • Healthcare Management
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Defensive medicine is a recognized issue in healthcare.
  • Limited research exists on defensive behavior in dental practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and nature of defensive behavior among dentists.
  • To explore potential motivations behind defensive practices in dentistry.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot survey study.
  • Interviews conducted with 38 general dental practitioners (30 men, 8 women) with an average of 20.9 years of practice.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests defensive behavior is likely present in dental practice.
  • Dentists reported performing treatments requested by patients, even if not professionally indicated.

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  • Reasons for refraining from treatment included poor patient motivation and hygiene.
  • Unnecessary referrals to specialists, particularly for 'difficult' patients and insurance reasons, were reported.
  • Financial aspects of patient care appear linked to defensive practices.

    • Conclusions:

    • Defensive behavior is likely a factor in contemporary dental practice.
    • Motivations for defensive dental practices may be complex, involving patient factors and financial considerations.
    • Further research is needed to fully understand and address defensive medicine in dentistry.