Jump to comment:
- Page navigation anchor for Simple techniques for managing dental avulsion in the GP settingSimple techniques for managing dental avulsion in the GP settingI read the article investigating why patients might consult GPs for dental problems with great interest. I recently organised a teaching session for A&E registrars covering several topics in oral and maxillofacial surgery. A particularly well received topic was our simple technique for splinting a tooth that has been avulsed (knocked out of its socket). I believe this would be useful knowledge to share with the BJGP readership.Dental avulsion is a true dental emergency. If such a case presents to a GP, it would be ideal if the tooth is replanted before they are redirected to a dentist. Prompt repositioning and splinting optimises the tooth’s prognosis.1The socket and tooth should be gently irrigated with saline, only handling the tooth by the crown (white part). A temporary splint should then be placed in order to immobilise the tooth whilst the patient seeks dental treatment.A popular splinting technique involves the application of tissue glue around the tooth.2 Even simpler methods include adapting Blu-Tack or aluminium foil to the dental arch. Readers interested in learning more about these techniques are directed to a succinct and well-illustrated article by Beech et al.3Contra-indications to replantation are few, but include: replantation of baby teeth (e.g. patients under the age...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.
- Page navigation anchor for Patients’ reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative studyPatients’ reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative studyThere are certain questions that don’t require a ‘study’ or ‘trial’ such as ‘Will the sun rise tomorrow?’ or ‘Is ice cream delicious?’ I feel this paper reminds me of one of these questions.The elephant in the room that this study has attempted to address is that the funding system and infrastructure of access of dental care and health care are diametrically opposed. Also, human nature dictates that ‘people will be people’. They will tend to go for the free option which is the easiest to access - even if they know that it is not fit for purpose. Doctors are not dentists and vice versa. Although most people would not see a dentist for an in-growing toenail, they would see a GP for a dental abscess. However, if GPs charged a fee at the point of access and access to dental care was better than that of General Practice; I’m sure dentists would be inundated with non-dental problems such as coughs, colds and in-growing toenails.Ever tried ‘signposting’ someone in severe pain hell-bent on obtaining antibiotics for a dental abscess on a Friday evening to an emergency dental service? Memorable for all the wrong reasons!Competing Interests: None declared.
- Page navigation anchor for Dental problems need more coordinated careDental problems need more coordinated care
The reasons why patients visit their GP for oral health issues are numerous; however, GPs are not for dental patients. GPs do play an important role in identifying patients with undiagnosed dental problems, and being aware of the ones caused by other medical problems.1
To understand the reasons why patients in the UK may consult a GP when experiencing a dental problem, Cope et al. carried out a literature review and identified the following factors which can influence care-seeking for dental problems: patients’ interpretation of their symptoms; their understanding of practitioners’ scope of practice; the availability of timely dental care; and the affordability of care.2 This was followed by a recent qualitative study (Seeking Care study) which involved 39 patients in the UK. Based on interviews with GP attenders, previous experiences of dental care, including dental anxiety and dissatisfaction with prior treatment, are found to be additional factors which may influence patients’ consultation behaviour.3 A summary of the findings of Seeking Care study can also be found in the video (https://youtu.be/e3z8f5MZ5eA).
The British Dental Association has called on government to urgently take down the barriers facing patients with dental problems.4 Better inter-professional cooperation can play a role in reducing the global burden of d...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.