Attitudes Of General Dental Practitioners Research Articles

Attitudes of general dental practitioners toward preventive approach in pediatric patients: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of general dental practitioners regarding a preventive approach in pediatric patients. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 279 general dental practitioners and employed a structured questionnaire comprising multiple items to assess their attitudes and practices related to a preventive approach in pediatric patients and data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: The survey revealed that 60.1% of pediatric patients visited the clinic frequently and 71.0% were treated directly by the dentists. A preventive approach was common (69.2%) among practitioners. Prescription practices showed that 57.1% of dentists prescribed a specified amount of fluoridated toothpaste and 62.5% preferred fluoride gel over varnish. Nonfluoride remineralizing agents were preferred by 60.0% of dentists. Glass ionomer cement (66.7%) was preferred for pit fissure sealant applications. Conclusion: The survey indicates that general dental practitioners have a positive attitude toward preventive care in pediatric patients. However, further education and knowledge dissemination are needed to enhance their understanding and confidence.

Exploring the attitudes of general dental practitioners to providing dietary advice alongside oral rehabilitation for older adults.

We aimed to capture General Dental Practitioners' (GDPs) views on delivering dietary advice to older adults in combination with treatment to replace missing teeth and identify solutions to help inform the development and implementation of future dietary interventions within primary dental care. As natural teeth are lost, older adults may need to choose softer, more manageable foods which might be of lower nutrient density. Previous research has indicated that prosthodontic rehabilitation can improve masticatory function but not the intake of nutrients, highlighting a potential need for a combined approach of oral rehabilitation and dietary counselling. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sampling strategy of 12 GDPs. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. An iterative coding process using theme-analytic methods was used. Twelve interviews were conducted with GDPs in the United Kingdom. The themes that emerged from the interviews included: the awareness of the importance of dietary advice among GDPs; the concerns GDPs had on patients' adherence to dietary advice; uncertainty over roles and responsibilities in the provision of dietary advice; and the limited time and remuneration for dietary advice in dental practice. A minor theme identified was the motivation of GDPs to implement dietary advice alongside oral rehabilitation. All reported that they were already providing dietary advice to their patients but that this was limited to caries prevention. The GDPs interviewed expressed positive attitudes towards providing dietary advice alongside oral rehabilitation for older adults. However, a lack of confidence, awareness, time and remuneration are barriers to its provision in primary dental care. To facilitate the implementation of dietary advice alongside oral rehabilitation, clear guidance on and training in delivering dietary advice and multidisciplinary cooperation are required.

Attitude of General Dental Practitioners and Specialists Toward Infection Control Measures in Prosthodontics Clinics in Tripoli, Libya

Background and objectives. Prosthodontics clinics require a high degree of concern regarding cross-infection of patients, personnel, unsterilized instruments, and equipment. Prosthodontics treatment undertaken in the clinics should be supplemented by the laboratory, and hence cross-infection chances have to be halted on both the fronts. The aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes regarding infection control procedures in prosthodontics clinics among general dentists, and specialists in Tripoli, Libya. Methods. A questionnaire of 11 questions was created and randomly distributed to 150 general dentists and specialists working in Tripoli's private clinics and public health centers. The questionnaire was anonymous and consisted of questions related to vaccination status, attitude and awareness towards infection control in prosthodontics clinics. Out of which (123) questionnaires were filled, giving a response rate of 82%. The data were sorted, checked, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results. A total of 123 dentists (68.3%) were general practitioners and (31.7%) were specialists, (39.9%) were males, and (60.1%) were females. In this study there was a positive correlation between vaccination status and the qualification (P =0.044). As (89.7%) of the specialists stated that they had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus, while only (73.8%) of general dentists had been vaccinated. The study also showed statistical significance when qualification was cross‑tabulated against the responses for various questions, that is, disinfection of rubber bowl (P = 0.027), sterilization of dental cast (P = 0.032), sterilization of metal framework (P =0.009), bite registration and bite block sterilization before sending to the dental laboratory (P =0.005), custom trays sterilization (P =0.005), and sterilization of the handpiece between cases (P = 0.000). The study also revealed that while just 11.9% of general dentists disinfect the impression prior to sending it to the dental laboratory, 23.1% of specialists do so after rinsing the impression. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that there are insufficient attitudes toward infection control procedures in prosthodontics practice. Furthermore, the implementation of selective standard precautions, such as hand hygiene compliance, was widely practiced by the Tripoli dentists surveyed.

Caries management using silver diamine fluoride and providing domiciliary dental care for dependent older adults: Aqualitative study of Swiss dentists.

Maintaining the oral health of dependent older adults is challenging, with limited access to dental care and limited focus on preventive oral health programmes. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), working in Switzerland, to caring for dependent older adults with a focus on the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a caries preventive agent and more widely on the provision of domiciliary dental care (DDC). Seventeen GDPs working in Switzerland were interviewed. Each interview was semi-structured by a topic guide, digitally recorded, and transcribed. The transcribed data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Three major themes to the widespread use of SDF in this population were identified: lack of basic knowledge including indications for use; aesthetic concerns and product availability. Those who had knowledge about the product believed that using it in the treatment of frail older adults had advantages, especially in the preservation and/or prolongation of the life of teeth without invasive treatments. The biggest barrier was its availability. The GDPs identified three major barriers related to DDC provision: lack of infrastructure, poor financial rewards and safety concerns (patient and operator safety). Those who provided this service stated that they were doing it because of self-motivation, kindness, or as a role in community service. The potential use of SDF was viewed positively by the majority of the GDPs interviewed but confusion exists over its availability in Switzerland, and other barriers were identified to more widespread use in this patient group. The GDPs interviewed in this study reported that a lack of infrastructure and a low level of remuneration continue to be barriers to more of them undertaking DDC for dependent older adults.

Why don't general dental practitioners test for diabetes in periodontitis patients? How infrastructure, role identity and self-efficacy can prevent effective shared care.

Aim To explore the attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) towards testing for diabetes in periodontitis patients amid recommendations from professional organisations that dentists and oral health professionals are well-positioned to support the diagnosis of diabetes in primary dental care.Method GDPs were selected based on purposeful sampling. The number of GDPs recruited was dependent on thematic saturation. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with all recruited GDPs. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was utilised to generate initial codes and subsequent themes.Results Fifteen GDPs participated in this qualitative study. Three main interrelated themes emerged: 1) there is an inadequate infrastructure within the current NHS; 2) the difference in the definition and threshold of the social and professional roles and identities of GDPs; and 3) there is a low self-efficacy to testing due to a perceived lack of knowledge.Conclusions This qualitative study has identified the barriers to and enablers for testing for diabetes in patients with periodontitis attending general dental practices in England. The findings have the potential to influence interventions and policies going forward to improve the co-management of diabetes and periodontitis within primary healthcare.

Attitude towards oral biopsy among general dental practitioners of Vadodara, a city in Western state of India

Introduction: In practice, the diagnosis of certain oral lesions must be made by biopsy. A biopsy constitutes an essential diagnostic tool in application to patients with oral pathology. However oral biopsy is not routinely performed in general dental practice. The present study aimed to explore the attitudes of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) towards oral biopsy for diagnosis of oral lesions in Vadodara city, Gujarat, India. Methodology: A questionnaire was distributed to 200 general dental practitioners, consisting of several items addressing the socio-demographic and professional aspects and their attitudes towards oral biopsy procedures. Results: Our study showed that 73% of the GDPs do not perform a biopsy on their own. Out of which 32% of GDPs gave the reason of lack of skills and knowledge while 7% of GDPs lacked confidence in performing a biopsy on their own. 28% of the GDPs were not aware of the medium of specimen preservation. Conclusion: There is a need for better education and training of GDPs to perform oral biopsy procedures on their own and create awareness among them about the proper referral of the specimen to oral histopathological centers which will aid in accurate diagnosis of the lesions. Keywords: Oral Diagnosis; Attitudes; Biopsy; General Dental Practitioners; Oral Lesions.

Attitude Towards Oral Biopsy among General Dental Practitioners of Vadodara, a City in the Western State of India

Introduction In practice, the diagnosis of certain oral lesions must be made by biopsy. A biopsy constitutes an essential diagnostic tool in application to patients with oral pathology. However oral biopsy is not routinely performed in general dental practice. The present study aimed to explore the attitudes of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) towards oral biopsy for diagnosis of oral lesions in Vadodara city, Gujarat, India. Methodology A questionnaire was distributed to 200 general dental practitioners, consisting of several items addressing the socio-demographic and professional aspects and their attitudes towards oral biopsy procedures. Results Our study showed that 73% of the GDPs do not perform a biopsy on their own. Out of which 32% of GDPs gave the reason of lack of skills and knowledge while 7% of GDPs lacked confidence in performing a biopsy on their own. 28% of the GDPs were not aware of the medium of specimen preservation. Conclusion There is a need for better education and training of GDPs to perform oral biopsy procedures on their own and create awareness among them about the proper referral of the specimen to oral histopathological centers which will aid in accurate diagnosis of the lesions.

Orthodontic Principles and Practice based Knowledge and Attitude among general dental practitioners

Background: This study was formulated for the comparative evaluation of the knowledge and attitude of the general dental practitioners and non-orthodontic specialties about the orthodontic treatment. Methodology: Data of this cross sectional study was collected from 100 general dentists between an age ranges of 30 to 50 years using simple random sampling from all over Lahore. Results: The percentage for the positive responses was 85.69% whereas the negative response rate was very low which was reported as 14.3%. This showed that dental practitioners in market are practicing orthodonticskills. The response rate of general practitioners was: 60.42% positive responses and 39.57% negative responses were obtained which showed that more than half of general dental practitioners have a positive attitude towards orthodontic treatment guidance to their patients with general complaints. Conclusion: The overall attitude of general dental practitioners is satisfactory towards orthodontic treatment in general patients. Moreover, dental practitioners in Pakistan are were well aware of the Skills used before, during and after the orthodontic treatment. Keywords: Clinical practice, Knowledge, Orthodontic treatment, Dental Practitioners

The Evaluation of Dentists’ Awareness and Knowledge in Turkey Regarding Bisphosphonates

Aim: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are inorganic pyrophosphate analogs used for the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDP), specialist trainees (ST), and specialists (S) in Turkey toward medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to optimize future training programs in this field.Materials and Methods: A self-report questionnaire consisting of 7 questions about demographic data, knowledge about BPs, MRONJ and treatment modalities was prepared and send to the members of Turkish Dental Association via email. Results: A total of 209 participants were included in this survey. The mean age of the ST group was significantly lower than the mean ages of the GDP and S groups (P= 0.003, P= 0.038). GDP are less likely to think of BPs administration and radiotherapy treatment than S or ST upon observation of an exposed bone in the head-and-neck region (P=0.048, P=0.008). In comparison to the S and ST groups, the GDP group displayed less knowledge regarding the radiological and intraoral examination of patients undergoing BP therapy (P= 0.034).Conclusion: The increasing awareness of dentists about usage and side effects of BPs is important for preventing MRONJ. The GDP group displayed significantly less knowledge regarding the radiological and intraoral examinations of patients undergoing BP therapy. Greater efforts are required to increase education and knowledge of MRONJ and BPs among dental practitioners.

Primary Care Dentists' management of permanent dentition traumatic dental injuries in 7- to 16-year-olds: A sequential mixed-methods study.

Primary care dentists play a pivotal role in the management of traumatic dental injuries in children, despite little evidence on the barriers they face in providing care. The aim of this study was to explore and contextualize the knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners regarding their management of permanent dentition traumatic dental injuries in children aged 7-16years old. A two-phase sequential mixed-methods study included a questionnaire that was disseminated to all 619 primary care dentists, identified via a triangulated sampling strategy, based across the north-east of England (Phase I). Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U- and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's correlation and chi-square test. Multivariate factor analysis, with principal components extraction, was used to test between multiple ordinal variables. Respondents were invited to a face-to-face or telephone semi-structured interview (Phase II). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Primary care dentists were less confident in managing complex dental trauma. Inadequate financial remuneration was the main reason for not providing care, often prompting a referral to the local dental hospital. This was more apparent for those who qualified before 2000. More recently qualified dentists felt the long-term costs, related to traumatic dental injuries, were insufficiently remunerated. Most still provided emergency management, irrespective of remuneration, as long as they had the requisite knowledge and skills. Four major themes arose: impact of traumatic dental injuries on patients, parents and primary care dentists; barriers to providing treatment; educational opportunities for primary care dentists; and interactions between primary and secondary care services. There is high confidence in managing simple traumatic dental injuries but less for complex injuries. A lack of sufficient financial remuneration associated with the long-term management of dental trauma was the main barrier for dentists to manage these cases.

Are OMFS Dental Core Trainees confident in performing biopsies? A regional audit

Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) units participate in a wide range of clinical activities. One such activity is performing biopsies. Research into the attitudes of General Dental Practitioners towards performing biopsies concludes an overall feeling of concern surrounding the lack of practical skills and the possibility of errors which may occur as a result. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been carried out investigating the attitudes of OMFS DCTs towards performing biopsies, an integral part of their post. To investigate how confident DCTs felt towards the various aspects of performing biopsies, paper questionnaires were distributed to the OMFS DCTs in the London, Kent Surrey and Sussex (LKSS) Deanery. 73% of respondents were expected to perform biopsies independently as part of their training post yet only 12% of DCTs felt completely confident doing so. Of the DCTs involved, 78% reported that undergraduate biopsy training was delivered in the format of lectures with only 2% of participants reporting hands-on biopsy experience as undergraduate students. In light of these findings, biopsy training sessions were devised and delivered to the new cohort of OMFS DCTs at the annual ‘’Basic Surgical Skills'’ course in the LKSS deanery. Post-training questionnaires yielded improved confidence in all aspects of performing a biopsy. The positive feedback received from the course attendees combined with the improved confidence levels demonstrates how biopsy training for new OMFS DCTs can have a positive impact on trainees and ultimately the patients treated.

An Assessment of the Knowledge of Dentists on the Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth.

Objectiveto investigate the knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) on the emergency management of avulsed teeth.The management of the avulsed teeth is well outlined in the latest trauma guideline. However, little information is available about the level of knowledge of the management of avulsed teeth among young dentists in Turkey.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire was completed to assess the knowledge of GDPs on the emergency management of avulsed teeth. The questionnaire asked questions to 142 dental practitioners about whether they have received information about the emergency management of dental trauma, whether they have intervened in cases of avulsed teeth following a dental trauma, and, finally, whether they have given treatment of avulsed teeth.ResultsThe majority of GDPs had received training to treat avulsed teeth. The findings of the study showed that only 35% of GDPs recalled the critical time for treatment. The number of GDPs who had incorrect knowledge on this topic was higher and statistically significant (p<0.001). The rates of the correct answers according to the relevant information fields were as follows: optimal storage medium (78%), type of splint (56%), splinting period (58.5%), and systemic medication after avulsion (32%).ConclusionThe results show that many GDPs had limited experience in treating avulsed teeth. However, in the study, it was stressed that the knowledge of GDPs related to the factors affecting the successful treatment of avulsion cases should be improved by using continuing education programs.

The knowledge and attitude of general dental practitioners toward the proper standards of care while managing endodontic patients in Saudi Arabia

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of general dental practitioners (GDPs) toward performing the proper standards of care while managing patients undergoing endodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An e-questionnaire was distributed among GDPs in Saudi Arabia (n = 650). The e-questionnaire questions covered the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and performance of GDPs toward practicing the proper standards of endodontic treatment in their clinic. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, and the relationships between categorical variables were established using Chi-square test. Results: Most of the participants reported obtaining full medical history before root canal treatment (RCT, 82.3%; P Conclusions: Our data show a clear deficiency in the standards of care provided by GDPs when performing RCT in Saudi Arabia. We hope that this publication will help highlight key areas where lack of knowledge and poor attitude exist while performing RCT by the GDPs in Saudi, thereby helping to raise treatment standards and improve treatment outcomes.

Attitude of general dental practitioners to pediatric patients and preventive dentistry

Background: Dental education shapes the attitudes and professional behavior of dentists when treating pediatric patients. We evaluated the extent to which general dental practitioners (GDPs) in private and public hospitals were willing to treat pediatric patients as well as their attitude to preventive dentistry. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire comprising 18 questions was E-mailed to 600 GDPs across Turkey. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The response rate was 63.6% (n = 382). Of the 382 GDPs, 40 were unwilling to treat pediatric patients, whereas 74 stated that they treated such patients rarely. The GDPs were most unwilling to treat pediatric patients under 4 years of age (35.1%). The most frequent reason cited for unwillingness to treat was the uncooperative behavior of pediatric patients (77.2%). Of the GDPs, 51.6% and 56.8% preferred topical fluoride and fissure sealant, respectively, as preventive measures. Conclusions: GDPs are unwilling to treat pediatric patients due to their lack of cooperation. To overcome this, theoretical and practical training in pediatric dentistry behavior management techniques should be promoted.

Attitude of General Dental Practitioners towards Periodontal Treatment

Periodontology is a fast-evolving field where newer insights into existing concepts are changing the face of the traditional periodontal treatment. Constant research is taking place so as to develop a number of newer avenues in the treatment of the periodontal diseases. The importance and awareness of general dental practitioners towards periodontal treatment was found to be evolving in the past decade with regards to thata survey was conducted manually among 100 general dental practitioners by means of a questionnaire to identify the current status of periodontal treatment in dental clinics, the protocol of maintenance therapy, and the general awareness of the dental profession toward periodontal care.

Barriers to providing oral health care to pre-school children-differences between paediatric dentists' and general dental practitioners' beliefs.

The unmet dental needs of pre-school children indicate there are barriers in 'accessing' appropriate oral health care and this warrants consideration of care providers' beliefs. To explore the beliefs and attitudes of dentists in Hong Kong towards providing oral health care to pre-school children; and to determine difference in attitudes between general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs). A random sample of 476 GDPs (-25% of all registered dentists) and all registered PDs (28) were invited to participate in the study. Both groups were asked to complete the Barriers to Childhood Caries Treatment (BaCCT) questionnaire: a 29-item measure considering child, parent, dentist and health care system factors. Differences in attitudes of GDPs and PDs were examined in bivariate and regression analyses. The overall response rate of the study was 61.5% (310/504). There were significant differences in overall BaCCT scores and across all domains between GDPs and PDs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, variations across many aspects (as described at an item level) were apparent. Regression analyses confirmed differences in BaCCT between GDPs and PDs, controlling for practice and other factors. Differences exist between GDPs' and PDs' perceptions of barriers to care for early childhood caries. This has implications for how to address 'access' issues with likely implications on how to overcome barriers to care for pre-school children.

Evaluating the attitudes of general dental practitioners in Gaziantep about endodontics

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge of dentists working in Gaziantep about the stages of root canal treatment. Questionnaires were reached to 118 general dental practitioners working in Gaziantep. Questionnaire was including questions such as age, gender, year of graduation, root canal medicament, root canal sealer, irrigation solution, use of rotary instrument and apex locator, number of sessions, indication of retreatment. Results were analyzed with chi-square test. A hundred of the dentists accepted to be included in the survey. The most frequently preferential inter-appointment medicament was calcium hydroxide with a ratio of 84 % (p < 0,05). Resin based sealers are the mostly used sealers (p < 0,05) while endomethazone and zinc oxide eugenol based sealers (ZOE) are used less frequently. Composite is preferred by 71 % of respondents for coronal restoration (p < 0,05) while amalgam is the second most used material with the ratio of 41 %. Single visit treatment is carried out especially by 15-20 and 0-5 years graduate to single-double rooted teeth. For working length determination, 64 % of respondents prefer radiographic method, 32 % of them use apex locators while 42 % rely upon tactile sensation. Among the respondents, 41% use only hand files for preparation while % 59 use rotary instruments. Sodium hypochlorite is the most used irrigant while chlorhexidine is used less. General dental practitioners in Gaziantep should obviate the information deficiencies about different steps of endodontics.

Knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners towards posterior composite restorations in northern saudi arabia.

The restoration of posterior teeth with composite restoration is a common clinical practice nowadays. Opinions regarding posterior composite restorations vary among dentists. The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of general dental practitioners towards composite resins for posterior teeth restorations. A questionnaire was devised to elicit information regarding placement of composite restoration in posterior teeth in northern Saudi Arabia. It was distributed to 230 dentists by hand and e-mail. A response rate 136 (59%) was obtained. The questionnaire sought details about case selection criteria for composite restoration, problems associated with composites and reasons for selecting composite restoration in posterior teeth. The data was processed and analysed by SPSS statistical software 19. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for various responses of the participants. Regarding the selection of composite restoration in posterior teeth, 97% of the dentists did not prefer composite placement for class I restoration with heavy occlusal contacts. 83% of the participants did not select composite for class II restoration. 78% of the respondents opted for restoring composites in small defects. Patients' aesthetic demands (90%), amalgam replacement (22%) and restoration of endodontically treated teeth (42%) were the contributing factors. Regarding the problems associated with posterior composite restorations. Recurrent caries (87%), post-operative sensitivity (84%), restoration fracture (83%) and polymerization shrinkage (73%) were the major problems reported by respondents associated with composite restorations. The other minor concerns were wear (60%), contact build up in case of class II cavity restorations (51%) and isolation for composite restorations (36%). Conservative cavity preparation (78%), aesthetics (73%) and patient preference (65%) were the main reasons for choosing composite restoration for the posterior teeth. Posterior composites are not popular among dentists practicing in northern Saudi Arabia and there is a need of continued professional education and clinical training for the dentists for posterior composite restorations.

Rubber dam application in endodontic practice: an update on critical educational and ethical dilemmas.

Proper isolation is an essential prerequisite for successful endodontic treatment. This article aims to provide an update on the prevalence of rubber dam (RD) use, and the role of education along with attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and patients towards the application of RD in endodontics. Critical ethical issues are also highlighted. Using certain keywords, an electronic search was conducted spanning the period from January 1983 to April 2013 to identify the available related investigations, and the pooled data were then analysed. The results show that although RD is the Standard of Care in endodontic practice, there is a clear discrepancy in what GDPs are taught in dental school and what they practice after graduation. There is little scientific evidence to support the application of RD; however, patient safety and clinical practice guidelines indicate that it is unnecessary and unethical to consider a cohort study to prove what is already universally agreed upon. A few clinical situations may require special management which should be highlighted in the current guidelines. This would pave the way for clear and straightforward universal guidelines.

Summary of: Attitudes of general dental practitioners to the maintenance of Locator retained implant overdentures

Locator retained implant overdentures are associated with a high incidence of prosthodontic complications. This study investigated whether general dental practitioners (GDPs) were willing to maintain these prostheses in primary dental care. A questionnaire was distributed to all GDPs referring patients for an implant assessment to the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2012. Ninety-four out of one hundred and forty-six questionnaires were returned (response rate: 64%). Thirteen GDPs (14%) were able to identify the Locator attachment system from clinical photographs. Eighty-two GDPs (87%) would adjust the fit surface of a Locator retained implant overdenture. Twenty-three GDPs (25%) would replace a retentive insert, 18 GDPs (19%) would tighten a loose abutment, 68 GDPs (72%) would debride abutments and 25 GDPs (27%) would remake a Locator-retained implant overdenture. Forty-seven GDPs (50%) felt that the maintenance of these prostheses was not their responsibility. The main barriers identified to maintenance by GDPs were a lack of training, knowledge and equipment. Seventy GDPs (74%) would like further training in this area. GDPs are not familiar with the Locator attachment system and are reluctant to maintain implant retained overdentures. GDPs would like further training in this area.