General dental practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards the employment of dental therapists in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate general dental practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards dental therapists, to ascertain the likelihood of their employment in general dental practice, what client groups they would be likely to treat, and to identify the main perceived barriers to their employment in general dental practice.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire.


METHODS
General dental practitioners in the county of West Sussex.


METHODS
All dentists holding a contract to provide general dental services in West Sussex were contacted. Final sample size was 200.


RESULTS
Thirty eight per cent of dentists said they would employ a therapist if legislation allowed. Main perceived barriers were cost, lack of knowledge and dentists' acceptance.


CONCLUSIONS
In general dentists had a favourable attitude towards dental therapists, although there was a real lack of knowledge about their permitted duties. Most dentists felt therapists should treat children and people with special needs.
Gallagher
J L
JL
Burkhart School of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, Eastman Dental Hospital, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD.
Wright
D A
DA
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003729:Dental Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003815:Dentists; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004651:Employment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011215:Practice Management, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires