Prospective evaluation of the referral pattern to restorative dentistry consultation clinics in Ireland.
The objective of this study was to analyse pattern of referral to Restorative Dentistry Consultation Clinics in a Dental Teaching Hospital. Patient demographic details and referral information were collected on new patient clinics. The majority of patients were female (62.1%). The greatest proportion of patients, 41.6%, was referred from the adjacent urban area. The highest percentage of referrals was from general practitioners, (37.6%). The main referral reasons were periodontal (24.7%), fixed prosthodontics (18.6%), endodontics (10.7%) and removable prosthodontics (8.3%). The study clearly showed that the majority of patients referred were female and from close proximity to the Hospital. Patients were referred for a broad range of restorative reasons.
Burke
Francis M
FM
University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. f.burke@ucc.ie
Allen
Patrick F
PF
McConnell
Robert J
RJ
Ziada
Hassan M
HM
O'Sullivan
Kathleen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution