title: Prospective evaluation of the referral pattern to restorative dentistry consultation clinics in Ireland.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. f.burke@ucc.ie
authors.forename: Francis M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Patrick F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: Hassan M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ziada
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
mesh_terms: 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