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Periodontal treatment in private dental practice: a case‐based survey
Author(s) -
Darby I,
Barrow SY,
Cvetkovic B,
Musolino R,
Wise S,
Yung C,
Bailey D
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/adj.12523
Subject(s) - periodontist , medicine , referral , graduation (instrument) , family medicine , dentistry , private practice , periodontal disease , general practice , dental practice , geometry , mathematics
Background This study aimed to assess the management and referral patterns of Victorian general dental practitioners based on periodontal diagnosis. Methods Following ethics approval, Victorian general dental practitioners were invited to complete five randomized text‐based periodontitis scenario questionnaires. Based on their diagnosis, respondents were asked for their management options and asked to specify who would perform these treatments. Respondents were also asked about referral procedures. Results One hundred and thirty‐five dentists attempted the survey. Most were in group practice and based in Melbourne. Of the total respondents, 22.5% worked in a practice employing a hygienist. The management of periodontal disease was appropriate, and treatment options increased with severity. As severity increased, patients were more likely to be referred to a periodontist. Periodontal services referred by general dentists to dental hygienists increased with the number of days the hygienists worked within a practice. Over‐ and underdiagnosis did not markedly affect management. The recommendation of antibiotics, mouthwashes and periodontal surgery varied depending on year and school of graduation. Conclusions The general dentists that completed the survey are managing periodontal conditions appropriately and according to current guidelines.