GDP referrals for orthodontic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of the information provided by General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) in referral letters for orthodontic treatment.


METHODS
An audit.


METHODS
Orthodontic Department, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen. METHOD (SUBJECTS): Prospective assessment of GDP referrals over a two month period. Information provided by referrals compared with British Orthodontic Society guidelines.


RESULTS
A total of 103 new referrals were assessed. Only 25 (24%) patients knew why they were referred. Nineteen (18%) patients were keen on treatment before being explained what treatment was indicated. Nine (8%) patients declined treatment after being explained the risk/benefit of the treatment. Approximately one third of the patients examined had inadequate oral hygiene. Five (4%) patients had more than two active carious lesions. Forty two (41%) referrals provided no information or missed important malocclusion features. None of the letters provided details of patient's general medical practitioner.


CONCLUSIONS
The present audit has highlighted a number of recurring problems with GDP referrals to a hospital orthodontic department. It has indicated a need to inform referring GDPs about the minimum information required in their referral letters. It is suggested that referring dentists should follow the recommendations of the British Orthodontic Society.
Thind
B S
BS
Department of Orthodontics, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen.
Hewage
S
S
Larmour
C J
CJ
D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D009970:Orthodontics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012606:Scotland