Abstract

The process undertaken to establish an initial pilot index for restorative dental treatment is described. Following consultation with a wide range of clinicians and others, an outline framework for the index was developed and comprised three main components: 1. Patient identified need for treatment: the data from the patient perceived need questionnaire were inconclusive; 2. Complexity of treatment (assessed by clinicians): this was found to be a practical tool capable of being used by a range of dentists. A booklet has been produced which describes the process of using the scoring system; 3. Priority for treatment (assessed by clinicians): three levels of priority were identified; the highest priority was assigned to patients with inherited or developmental defects that justify complex care (eg clefts of the lip and palate). The initial development of the index has had some success in a difficult area. The treatment complexity component is the most developed and may allow both referrers and commissioners of specialist restorative dentistry to determine appropriate use of skilled clinicians' expertise.

1. Research Fellow, Department of Transcultural Oral Health, Eastman Dental Institute
2. Director of Research, Defence Dental Agency, RAF Halton, Aylesbury
3. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Birmingham Dental School, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN
4. Emeritus Reader, Dental Public Health, Eastman Dental Institute, University College Hospital, 256 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD
5. Professor, Conservation Department, Guys Hospital Dental School, London Bridge, London SE1 9RT

Correspondence to: H C Falcon¹ Aylesbury Vale Community NHS Trust, Manor House, Bierton Road, Aylesbury HP20 1EG
e-mail: Helen.Falcon@btinternet.com