GPs under pressure from patients with oral health problems
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- Published: Sunday, 29 November -0001 23:58
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GPs are under pressure from patients seeking advice on oral health issues, according to figures released by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) during Mouth Cancer Action Month.
- 87% of GPs feel under increasing pressure from patients who are coming to them, rather than their dentists, for oral health related issues
- 96% of GPs think more should be done to encourage patients to go to their dentist rather than their GP for mouth related health issues
GPs across the UK are feeling under increasing pressure because too many patients are visiting their surgeries - rather than a dentist - with concerns about oral health issues, according to a national survey. The poll conducted by ComRes, which interviewed 1,007 general practitioners, found that 87 per cent of GPs believe that too many patients are turning to them for oral health advice instead of a dentist which is increasing pressure on general practices.
The polling, released during Mouth Cancer Action Month, by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), the professional body representing private and corporate dental practices, also showed that 96 per cent of GPs feel more needs to be done to encourage patients to visit a dentist for oral health related issues.
David Worskett, Chair of the ADG, said that with GPs already under huge pressures, the results highlighted the necessity of doing more to make sure that patients had a better understanding of who to go to for dental related issues.
He added: "With mouth cancer rates rising to over 7,500 new cases every year, and early detection vital, it is more important than ever that patients get the right care quickly. People often think that dentists are focus purely on teeth and gums, but actually, they are specialists in most aspects of oral health and we often find GPs refer patients back to their dentist if there is any treatment required.”
Latest figures show that mouth cancer cases exceeded 7,500 in 2012, and cases are expected to rise further. There has also been notable rises in incidence in younger people and in females. The ADG has also released a free educational tool for dental health professionals to help improve early detection and treatment outcomes. The tool is available at the ADG’s website www.dentalgroups.co.uk.
For more information about Mouth Cancer Action Month, visit http://www.mouthcancer.org/
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