‘Parallel universes’? The interface between GPs and dentists in primary care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Except in cases of personal contact, interaction between GPs and dentists is often limited and sometimes difficult-despite numerous inter-professional issues. Interdisciplinary approaches in continuing education, medical and dental school teaching and guideline development are potentially promising for promoting cooperation.

A qualitative study exploring strategies to improve the inter-professional management of diabetes and periodontitis

“…Notwithstanding, this study found that the evidence for the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontitis was valued by medical clinicians, and informing patients was considered legitimate by the medical team, particularly to the role of nurses [21]. As difficulties with collaborative working between dental and medical clinicians have been reported previously in the literature [22,23], and dissemination of guidelines alone is insufficient in promoting a change in clinical practice [24], this study aimed to explore potential ways to enable improved inter-professional working as outlined in extant diabetes and periodontitis guidance documents.…”

“…Miscommunication between dental and medical clinicians has previously been reported elsewhere in the literature. A study of German GPs and GDPs showed problematic collaborative working with allegations of poor knowledge, uncertainty of role and previous difficult interactions [23]. Holzinger et al also reported GPs' frustration relating to requests from GDPs for advice on anticoagulant therapy and dose adjustment for dental procedures, suggesting that this practice is widespread [23].…”

“…A study of German GPs and GDPs showed problematic collaborative working with allegations of poor knowledge, uncertainty of role and previous difficult interactions [23]. Holzinger et al also reported GPs' frustration relating to requests from GDPs for advice on anticoagulant therapy and dose adjustment for dental procedures, suggesting that this practice is widespread [23]. Cope et al found UK GPs to be equally frustrated when faced with prescribing antibiotics to treat dental pain (particularly given concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance) [43].…”

Medical‐dental collaboration in general and family medicine

“…Moreover, most of general practitioners saw no need for medical‐dental collaboration, although dentists were interested in extending medical‐dental collaboration . Another qualitative study showed that general practitioners and dentists perceived knowledge deficits in other specialty and frequently criticized aspects of each other's patient management . Furthermore, interaction between general practitioners and dentists is often limited except in cases of personal contact .…”

“…Another qualitative study showed that general practitioners and dentists perceived knowledge deficits in other specialty and frequently criticized aspects of each other's patient management . Furthermore, interaction between general practitioners and dentists is often limited except in cases of personal contact . Medical‐dental collaboration is inadequate and should be improved in general and family medicine.…”