title: A multicentre audit of GDPs knowledge of orthodontic retention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine GDP knowledge and willingness to supervise orthodontic retention and provide replacements retainers.
  
  
  METHODS
  An audit sampling GDPs from six centres within England (Bradford, Cambridge, Burton-Upon-Trent, Croyden, Norwich and Plymouth). A gold standard of 100% of GDPs should be aware of commonly used retainers and be able to provide replacements was selected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overall, 1,053 postal questionnaires were sent to local GDPs. The questions covered knowledge and provision of various retainers, practitioner background and education. GDP satisfaction with the information provided by the orthodontist at discharge was also explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five hundred and two questionnaires were received (response rate of 48%). The majority of GDPs (64%) were trained in the UK. Awareness of vacuum-formed, Hawley and fixed retainers was generally high. A significantly smaller number of GDPs were willing to prescribe, fit or review the retainers. The most common reasons for reluctance in provision were insufficient knowledge, financial and time constraints. Over two thirds (72%) of GDPs would like further training on retention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This audit highlights a need for increased training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to update practitioners about contemporary retention practice. Better communication is required from orthodontists to GDPs to ensure that on discharge the dentist is aware of the retainer type and retention regime.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kotecha
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Queen's Hospital, Belvedere Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0RB;
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gale
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Orthodontics, Croydon University Hospital, 530 London Road, Croydon, CR7 7YE [2] Department of Orthodontics, Eastman Dental Hospital, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Khamashta-Ledezma
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Health, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seedat
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, BD5 0NA;
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Storey
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Edinburgh Dental Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ulhaq
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scholey
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires