Research abstract
British Dental Journal 200, 393 - 397 (2006)
Published online: 8 April 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813425
Provision of prevention to adults in NHS dental practices and attitudes to prevention
- The data generated provide a useful baseline for the provision of preventive care in Wales at a time of contract change.
- The study findings highlight the barriers to the provision of preventive care under the current system.
- This article provides an insight into the attitudes of general dental practitioners to the provision of health education versus health promotion.
Abstract
Aims To identify the number of claims reported by the Dental Practice Board (DPB) for the three adult preventive codes for the year ending October 2002 in Wales. To identify the attitudes of practitioners to the use of these codes.
Design A cross-sectional study using routinely gathered DPB data and data generated by a postal questionnaire.
Sample All DPB claims for the 12 months ending October 2002. A randomised sample of 400 dentists currently practising in Wales for the postal questionnaire.
Results The DPB data showed great variation across Wales for: the number, type and distribution of preventive code claims; the age and payment status of patients prescribed these treatments; and the proportion of male versus female dentists claiming for the codes. The questionnaire response rate was 67% (n = 267). The results showed that most respondents were deterred by the restrictions on the codes, insufficient reimbursement and a perceived unwillingness of patients to pay for preventive care.
Conclusion Few dentists provide preventive care to adults under the existing remuneration system. Work is necessary to enable dentists to use effective preventive techniques for adult patients. These results can be considered to show the baseline provision of prevention and could facilitate the evaluation of any changes to the current system.
- Clinical Lecturer, The Dental School, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- Professor in Dental Public Health, The Dental School, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
Correspondence to: P Tomlinson1 e-mail: tegfedd@hotmail.com
