The profile of patients referred to an outreach restorative dentistry clinic over the last 10 years has changed.
The aim of the study was to compare the profile of the patients referred to a Restorative Dentistry consultant clinic at Scarborough General Hospital (SGH) in 1991 and 2001. The clinical records from 80% of a cohort of the new patients referred for consultation and who attended in 1991 and 2001 were examined. In total 55 clinical records were examined from 1991 and 84 from 2001. Data on reason for referral, time of wait before assessment and outcome of the consultation was recorded. The number of patients seen for consultation increased considerably between 1991 and 2001. Mean waiting times from the date of referral to the date when assessed trebled (p = 0.016). Referral for denture problems (notably complete dentures) was the main reason for referral in 2001 (25%). Tooth wear was the most common reason for referral in 1991 (22%). It was concluded that the demand for the services of a Restorative Dentistry consultant at Scarborough General Hospital increased considerably between 1991 and 2001. This resulted in considerably longer waiting times for a consultation. In 2001 there was a greater percentage of referrals for appearance, complete dentures and implants. A higher percentage of patients in this study were referred back to their GDP for treatment as compared to other studies.