Research abstract
British Dental Journal 202, E23 (2007)
Published online: 2 February 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.79
Provision of domiciliary dental care by Scottish dentists: a national survey
M. P. Sweeney1, S. Manton2, C. Kennedy3, L. M. D. Macpherson4 & S. Turner5
- Increased longevity and retention of natural dentition will mean the increased demand for domiciliary dental care will continue.
- CDOs and GDPs provide a different level and breadth of domiciliary dental care, with particular problems identified in the GDS.
- The suitability, safety and provision of equipment and supplies were especially problematic.
- An urgent need for training in relation to health & safety issues was identified.
- The development of national guidelines for domiciliary dental care is recommended.
Abstract
Demand for domiciliary dental care is increasing as a result of a growing population of elderly and functionally dependent patients, legislative pressure and an increasingly dentate population.
Objective To estimate the amount and types of dental care currently being undertaken on a domiciliary basis in Scotland and to examine the barriers to the provision of such care.
Method A descriptive study, involving a self-administered postal questionnaire was employed. All general dental practitioners (n = 1,995) and community dental officers (n = 200) in all Health Board areas across Scotland were included in the postal survey. Data were analysed in SPSS.
Results The valid response rate was 66%. Sixty-seven percent of dentists undertook at least one domiciliary visit per year, mainly for elderly patients. Prosthetic treatment was undertaken most commonly. Other types of treatment were delivered mainly by the community dental service. Many dentists did not carry a light source or emergency essential drugs and half of the dentists overall were not confident to administer emergency drugs. Significant problems were identified in relation to the packaging and carriage of contaminated instruments and clinical waste. Of those respondents not providing domiciliary care, 19% stated that they would never consider doing so. Barriers to the provision of domiciliary care included time, poor remuneration, concerns about infection control, emergency drugs and lack of suitable equipment, and the difficulties of carrying equipment.
Conclusion Staff training, specialist equipment and new service models for the delivery of domiciliary care are required.
- Senior Lecturer, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ
- Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, University of Dundee Dental School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HN
- Research Nurse, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ
- Professor of Dental Public Health, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ
- Senior Researcher, Dental Health Services Research Unit, Mackenzie Building, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, DD2 4BF
Correspondence to: e-mail: m.p.sweeney@dental.gla.ac.uk
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