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Considerations for restorative dentistry secondary care referrals - part 3: assessment of case complexity

British Dental Journal volume 233, pages 202–210 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Assessing the complexity of a case is a challenging exercise, with many tooth-specific as well as patient-specific considerations required. This decision is not made in isolation but goes hand in hand with the assessment of restorability, as well as strategic importance, both of which have been covered by the previous papers in this series. A number of guidelines regarding this matter have been devised in order to aid clinicians in determining the complexity of their patients and thus the most appropriate setting for their treatment. This paper aims to discuss the various complexity criteria available and their application, thus aiding clinicians in managing some of the more challenging cases.

Key points

  • Summarises the complexity criteria available for clinical use.

  • Aids clinicians in determining the complexity of their patients.

  • Allows clinicians to determine the appropriate treatment setting for patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Speciality Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge St, Manchester, M15 6FH, UK

    Reem Ahmed

  2. Dental Core Trainee, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge St, Manchester, M15 6FH, UK

    Jacob Watts & Don S. Jayawardena

  3. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge St, Manchester, M15 6FH, UK

    James Darcey & Joanne Cunliffe

Authors
  1. Reem Ahmed
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  2. Jacob Watts
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  3. Don S. Jayawardena
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  4. James Darcey
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  5. Joanne Cunliffe
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Contributions

Reem Ahmed, Jacob Watts, Don S. Jayawardena, Joanne Cunliffe and James Darcey all contributed to the literature search, the writing and drafting of the manuscript, as well as subsequent revisions.

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Correspondence to Reem Ahmed.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Ahmed, R., Watts, J., Jayawardena, D. et al. Considerations for restorative dentistry secondary care referrals - part 3: assessment of case complexity. Br Dent J 233, 202–210 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4549-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4549-3

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