Are general dental practitioners confident in primary care oral surgery service?

AbstractAimsThis study aims to evaluate general dental practitioner's confidence in a primary care oral surgery service; assess patterns of referral; and their level of satisfaction and identify those procedures deemed inappropriate for referral to such a service.Materials and methodsA postal questionnaire was distributed to (n = 70) dentists who refer to a primary care oral surgery service in the north‐west of England.ResultsOne hundred per cent of respondents (n = 58) indicated that they were confident in the service. Overall satisfaction with the service was: very good 80% and good 20%. Satisfaction was correlated with: treatment outcome: rs = 0.53; n = 54; P < 0.01; ratings of patient experience: rs = 0.56; n = 54; P < 0.01; and rating of post‐operative care arrangements: rs = 0.38; n = 54; P < 0.01. Factors affecting a decision to refer were: complexity of treatment (85%); operator experience (79%); waiting time (63%); treatment without patient charges (28%); and facilities and equipment (32%). Procedures viewed as not appropriate for referral: management of cranio‐facial pain (30%); diagnosis of white patches, soft tissue lesions and ulcers (30%); and management of t