An Analysis of Electronic Primary Dental Practice Tooth Wear Referrals

We evaluated the quality of general dental practitioner (GDP) tooth wear (TW) referrals to secondary care services in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Prospective consecutive received via an electronic pathway were assessed from 1 June 30 October 2019. Reasons for referral, patient demographics, opinion triaging clinician outcome assessed. Of 671 referrals, 32% TW. Males referred more commonly (1.7:1.0). The median age was 52. Patients likely be distant locations than places closer referral centre (p<0.001). Only 55% suggested a cause TW, 33% provided clinical photograph 1% recorded index any type. Referring clinicians most cited attrition as reason Those under 40 years erosion (p=0.001) those over years, (p=0.019). allocate score three four 47% rejected. with photographs accepted treatment (p=0.017 p<0.001, respectively). There is high demand specialist TW services. number being rejected has not changed using system. advocate inclusion mandatory fields completion by GDPs well compulsory indices (Smith Knight Tooth Wear Index or basic erosive examination - BEWE index).