Who is referred for sedation for dentistry and why?
OBJECTIVE
To assess referrals to sedation, examining dental anxiety and background of patients, and compare these characteristics to those referred to a restorative dentistry clinic.


METHODS
Descriptive, cross sectional survey.


METHODS
Subjects were 100 consecutive new patients in sedation and special care and 50 new patients in restorative dentistry at Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust. A questionnaire included demographics, self-reported oral health and dental attendance, and dental fear. Information from the patients records was taken: ASA classification, previous sedation or general anaesthesia, alcohol and tobacco use, and medications.


RESULTS
The best predictors of referral were dental anxiety level and an irregular attendance. The most important fears were seeing, hearing and feeling the vibrations of the dental drill, and the perception of an accelerated heart rate. Other factors such as general, mental and dental health and alcohol use were related to referral but less important.


CONCLUSIONS
Referral is consistent with the goal of the sedation clinic to see anxious patients. Referring general practitioners are able to identify these patients.
Boyle
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Department of Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, Tower Wing, London, SE1 9RT, UK. carole.boyle@kcl.ac.uk
Newton
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Milgrom
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