What do GDPs know about dental therapists?

Abstract

Objective To investigate general dental practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards dental therapists, to ascertain the likelihood of their employment in general dental practice, what client groups they would be likely to treat, and to identify the main perceived barriers to their employment in general dental practice. Method Postal questionnaire. Setting General dental practitioners in the county of West Sussex. Sampling All dentists holding a contract to provide general dental services in West Sussex were contacted. Final sample size was 200. Key findings Thirty eight per cent of dentists said they would employ a therapist if legislation allowed. Main perceived barriers were cost, lack of knowledge and dentists' acceptance. Conclusions In general, dentists had a favourable attitude towards dental therapists, although there was a real lack of knowledge about their permitted duties. Most dentists felt therapists should treat children and people with special needs.