Few rural doctors confident of providing dental care

A survey has found that only some country doctors are confident in providing dental care or referring patients for appropriate care.

The University of Tasmania Centre for Rural Health interviewed rural GPs from rural Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, finding that many were untrained in oral health but regularly received patients with dental problems.

Researchers found rural GPs saw an average of 12 patients each month with oral health concerns, including toothache, abscesses and trauma.

The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, found patients were often unable or unwilling to go to a dentist. Although 18 of the 30 GPs interviewed said they were confident with providing oral health care, others said they knew little about dentistry.

Dental referral resources for medical practitioners have been developed by Medicare Locals, and more recently by various Primary Health Networks, especially using HealthPathways. The ADAVB's pilot project in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Vic) and Dental Health Services Victoria is also addressing dental access issues for people living in rural communities.