An Audit of Head and Neck Referrals to Restorative Dentistry

Methods: Data collection sheets were used for all referred patients over a 4 month time period. Information on the nature of referral, patient diagnosis and treatment needs were collated by the attending clinician.

Results: A total of 47 patients were assessed as part of the audit. The mean number of appointments per patient was 1.93 (range 1 to 5). All of the patients were to receive radiotherapy as part of their primary oncology treatment. 72% (n=34) of referred patients required dental extractions and 68% (n=32) of patients required scaling and root planing for the treatment of periodontal disease. 48%(n=23) of patients also required other restorative dentistry including conservation, immediate/ definitive dentures or amendments to existing dentures. Of the 47 patients assessed only 15%(n=7) were registered with and regularly attended a general dental practitioner.

Conclusions: The patients assessed had a high dental need which may affect the overall management of their oral malignancies. The most common treatment needs included dental extractions, periodontal care and the provision of prostheses for tooth replacement. Only 15% of the patients assessed had regular access to a general dental practitioner. With many of the patients requiring radiotherapy to treat their head and neck malignancy this level of access has widespread implications on the long term dental health of this patient group. This limited access to dental care may also impact on the final oral rehabilitation of these patients.