Rural Australian GPs Uncomfortable with Filling Void Left by Dentist Shortage
New research suggests that many GPs working in rural Australian towns are uncomfortable filling the void left by a shortage of dentists. In towns where there is no permanent dentist, going to the GP is often the first port of call for patients suffering with dental woes, but some GPs are worried that they don’t have the necessary skills or training to provide appropriate treatment.
A survey carried out by Tasmania’s Centre for Rural Health showed that almost half of of GPs surveyed experienced a lack of confidence when treating patients for dental issues. Only 18 of the 30 surveyed said they were confident when providing dental treatment or advice for patients.
The findings of the study have been published in the Medical Journal of Australia and show that some doctors feel embarrassed when admitting to patients that they don’t have the relevant training to provide suitable treatment. One participant said he always starts by saying to those with dental issues that he’s sorry, but he doesn’t have the training or expertise to provide dental care.
Dr Ha Hoang from the research team said rural doctors were often left with no choice but to do their best when it came to dental problems in areas where dental services are limited. In some places, people would have to travel for up to 200km to see a dentist and this is just not viable for most. In this case, patients turn to their GP.
On average, the researchers found that GPs see 12 patients with dental issues per month. Often, all they can do is provide pain relief, which is a temporary cure.
In response to the findings, the research team has called for doctors working in under-served areas to be provided with additional training to help them provide a more comprehensive service for patients suffering with problems such as toothache.
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