A preliminary communication on whether general dental practitioners have a role in identifying dental patients with mental health problems.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether general dental practitioners regard themselves as having a role in identifying dental patients with mental health problems.


METHODS
Telephone interviews were conducted with, and postal questionnaires were sent to, a random sample (n = 94) of general dental practitioners on Health Authority lists within the Mersey Region. A total of 84 general dental practitioners responded, resulting in an 89% response rate.


RESULTS
The majority of general dental practitioners had encountered patients with mental health problems (78% of interviewees, 56% of questionnaire responders). However, nearly half of the interviewees (46%) do not refer patients with mental health problems. When referrals to dental specialists were made, they tended to be regarding a physical manifestation rather than a psychological one. The majority of interviewees and questionnaire responders (55% and 82% respectively) expressed a 'positive' response to the development of a referral role. Nevertheless, there were some reservations concerning the practicalities of its development and implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of general dental practitioners consider a role in identifying patients with possible mental health problems. This role might include, being able to identify patients with undiagnosed mental health problems, and being aware of dental conditions which may be caused by mental health problems. To achieve this, inter-professional co-operation between general dental practitioners and other health professionals requires development.
Lloyd-Williams
F
F
Department of Primary Care, Liverpool University.
Dowrick
C
C
Hillon
D
D
Humphris
G
G
Moulding
G
G
Ireland
R
R
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods*; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D024382:Professional Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures