Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
10
Issue:
4

Appropriate referrals to Special Care Dentistry: a retrospective study

Abstract Aim and Objectives: To assess and identify the appropriateness of patients referred to the Special Care Dentistry Department at Guy’s Hospital by comparing referral letters to referral guidelines, determining reasons for referral rejections and looking at the initial follow up of patients accepted. Design: A retrospective study reviewing referral letters using a proforma sent to the Special Care Dentistry Department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust London over a period of four months. The acceptance / rejection ratio of these referrals and the outcome for the patients accepted were assessed. Results: 100 referrals were received over a period of four months between 1st November 2007 and 29th February 2008. The overall percentage of patients accepted was 75%. From the patients that were accepted, 27% did not take up the invitation to make an appointment, 64% made an appointment and attended, and 9% made an appointment and failed to attend. From the patients that attended for an assessment, 96% were accepted for treatment. The most common source of referral was from general dental practitioners and the most common reason was complex medical problems. The majority of referrals that were rejected were for patients referred for medical conditions that can be managed in Primary Care. Conclusions: A high proportion of referrals to the Department of Sedation and Special Care Dentistry are accepted as appropriate, suggesting that there is an understanding of the role of the emerging specialty amongst dental practitioners and other health care professionals. The proportion of appropriate referrals may be improved by structured referral mechanisms and dissemination of information concerning the role of Special Care Dentistry. Certain patient groups with challenging special care needs have higher levels of failure to attend appointments. Patients in these groups require additional support to access dental services.

Key words: Special Care Dentistry, referrals

Article Price
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Institution Article Price
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Page Start
147
Page End
150
Authors
Najla Akbarali, Carole Boyle, Tim Newton

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 146
  3. 146

  1. Appropriate referrals to Special Care Dentistry: a retrospective study
  2. 147
  3. 150

  1. An audit of a protocol for the management of patients with hereditary bleeding disorders undergoing dental treatment
  2. 151
  3. 155

  1. Parental perceptions of oral health and access to oral health care services for children with special educational needs in South Bedfordshire
  2. 156
  3. 160

  1. Frequency and distribution of gingival bleeding in a population of para-athletes competing at the III Para-Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007
  2. 163
  3. 168

  1. Retrospective audit of the prescribed systemic medication taken by adults using Salaried Primary Care Dental Services in Warwickshire and implications for dental care
  2. 169
  3. 174

  1. The knowledge and attitudes of North Wales healthcare professionals to bisphosphonate associated osteochemonecrosis of the jaws
  2. 175
  3. 183

  1. Strategies for the prevention of dental caries in people with disabilities: a review of risk factors, adapted preventive measures and cognitive support
  2. 184
  3. 192

  1. BSDH Guidelines
  2. 193
  3. 193

  1. Reviewers
  2. 195
  3. 195

  1. Diary Dates 2010
  2. 196
  3. 196

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