Patients' reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative study

Cope, Anwen, Wood, Fiona, Francis, Nick and Chestnutt, Ivor (2018) Patients' reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative study. British Journal of General Practice, 68 (677), e877-e883. (doi:10.3399/bjgp18X699749).

Abstract

Background: There are approximately 380,000 dental consultations in UK general practice every year. Aim To explore the reasons why patients may consult a General Practitioner (GP) rather than a dentist when experiencing problems with their teeth or gums.

Design and Setting: A qualitative semi-structured interview study with adults who had consulted a UK GP with a dental problem in the previous 12 months.

Method: Participants were recruited via print and social media; internet adverts; HealthWise Wales, the Welsh national population research cohort; and word of mouth. In total 39 telephone interviews were conducted, and transcripts thematically analysed.

Results: Participants' consultation behaviour was influenced by their interpretation of their symptoms; their perceptions of the scope of practice of primary care practitioners; the comparative ease of navigating medical and dental care systems; previous experiences of dental care, including dental anxiety and dissatisfaction with prior treatment; and willingness and ability to pay for dental care.

Conclusions: There are several reasons why patients may consult a GP with a dental problem. Effective interventions will need to break down the barriers preventing access to dental care. Accessible public-facing information on where to seek care for dental problems is required, and general practice teams should be able to signpost patients who present with dental problems, if appropriate. Dental providers should also be encouraged to maintain timely access to urgent care for their patients.

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Contributors

Author: Nick Francis

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