Methods: Data were collected by means of a structured postal questionnaire from twelve Scottish OMFS units regarding patients referred for third molar removal in 1995 and 2002.
Results: The form return rate was 77% in 1995 and 75% in 2002. The percentage of patients having no treatment increased from 11% (1995) to 16% (2002). The prophylactic removal of lower third molars decreased between the two periods from 19% (1995) to 5% (2002). Removal of third molars using local anaesthesia increased from 31% (1995) to 41% (2002)and the use of sedation from 4%(1995) to 13% (2002). Removal of third molars under general anaesthesia decreased from 54% (1995) to 30% (2002).The majority (28%) of treatment under general anaesthesia in 2002 was carried out in the Day Surgery setting.
Conclusions: The results suggest that there have been changes in treatment patterns for removal of third molars in Scottish OMFS Units, with a decrease in prophylactic removal and a move towards more ambulatory modes of treatment.