DENTISTS PERCEPTIONS OF ORTHODONTIC SERVICES

In this investigation the orthodontic referral patterns of the dentists working within two FHSA areas in the north of England were surveyed. A sub-sample of 149 of the dentists was selected and they were sent a postal questionnaire directed at their perceptions of the service provided and factors influencing their choice of orthodontist. One hundred and twenty one questionnnaires (90%) were returned. It was found that 26.4% of the dentists did not refer an orthodontic patient and 51% referred to only one type of treatment provider. The most important factors governing their choice of orthodontic treatment provider were the length of treatment waiting list (62%) and the standard of treatment provided (66.9%). In addition, the dentists' perceptions of the roles of the orthodontic services were not in concordance with those of the orthodontic treatment providers. They also expressed a degree of dissatisfaction with the orthodontic services.