Do better qualified dentists make fewer hospital referrals?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of further qualifications and length of clinical experience on the number of referrals of complete denture problems made by GDPs to secondary care.


METHODS
An audit was made of complete denture referrals to Sheffield Dental Hospital between January 1997 and June 1999.


METHODS
All complete denture referrals (n=257), either single complete denture or 2 complete dentures, made by locally practising NHS registered dentists (n=211) to Sheffield Dental Hospital, were recorded, along with the year of qualification and any additional clinical qualifications of referring practitioner.


RESULTS
Fewer referrals were made by better qualified dentists (p=0.003). Better qualified dentists also appeared willing to treat more difficult cases. In the absence of a further clinical qualification, length of clinical experience had no effect on the number of referrals made.


CONCLUSIONS
Better qualified dentists make fewer complete denture referrals, emphasising the importance of continuing education in reducing referral rates and improving patient service.
Lamb
D J
DJ
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK. d.lamb@sheffield.ac.uk
Fairclough
A L
AL
Ellis
B
B
D002983:Clinical Competence; D019230:Dental Audit; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D011476:Prosthodontics / Q000193:education*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom