Evaluation of dental practitioners with special interest in minor oral surgery

This paper reports an evaluation of dental practitioners with special interest (DPwSI) in minor oral surgery (MOS). Objectives To: i) audit the appropriateness of referrals to a DPwSI-MOS service, ii) determine its cost-effectiveness, iii) gather the views of patients who had been treated, and iv) assess the referring dentists' views. Methods Analysis of management information, telephone interviews with patients, postal questionnaire survey of referring dentist. Results Of 83 referrals received, 51 (five for consultation and 46 for extractions) were seen by a DPwSI. The average waiting time between the referral and the treatment dates was 36 days. The cost of treating 51 cases was 8,020 pound, compared to 43,608 pound under secondary care, a difference of 35,588 pound and a projected annual difference of 142,352 pound. Eighteen patients were interviewed after attending for treatment. Most reported that they were seen within two weeks (ten, 57%) and four weeks (five, 28%) from the time they were referred. The majority (15, 83%) rated the service as good to excellent. Of the questionnaires mailed to 90 referring dentists, 45 (50%) were returned. Of the 40 (90%) dentists who reported being aware of the DPwSI-MOS, 24 (60%) reported having used the service. Conclusions This pilot has demonstrated that the provision of MOS in the primary care setting by DPwSIs can provide a good service for patients, potentially improve access for patients, support patient management for referring dentists and reduce costs for the PCT.