title: Comparison of restorative dentistry referrals to a district general hospital and to a teaching hospital using a pilot Index of Restorative Dental Treatment Need.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify differences between referral patterns and the clinical conditions of patients referred to consultant-led Restorative Dentistry clinics in a district general hospital and a London dental teaching hospital. The Index of Restorative Dental Treatment Need was used to classify patients into those patients whose treatment was appropriate for any dental graduate in general practice, for an experienced dentist in general practice, and for a dentist with specialist training. Demographic and clinical details were recorded for one hundred patients at each hospital. The results of the study showed that the proposed treatment of 21% of the patients seen at the district general hospital and 16% of the patients seen at the teaching hospital was appropriate for specialist care. The results support the expansion of specialist restorative dentistry services in district general hospitals.
authors.affiliation: Guy's & St Thomas's Hospital Trust, London SE1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Paul H R
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000145:classification*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data