Association of Dental Groups GPs’ Perceptions of Mouth Cancer Awareness

ComRes interviewed 1,007 General Practitioners in the UK online between the 16th and 22nd October 2013 on behalf of the Association of Dental Groups and College Hill. Data were weighted to be representative of all General Practitioners in the UK by former SHA region. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. 

Date Published: 18 Nov 2013

Categories: Health | Professionals | Social | UK

Description

 GPs under pressure from patients seeking advice on oral health issues

·         87% of GPs feel under increasing pressure from patients who are coming to them, rather than their dentists, for oral health related issues

·         96% of GPs think more should be done to encourage patients to go to their dentist rather than their GP for mouth related health issues

·         Figures released by the Association of Dental Groups during Mouth Cancer Action Month

 GPs across the UK are feeling under increasing pressure because too many patients are visiting their surgeries - rather than a dentist - with concerns about oral health issues, according to a national survey.

The poll conducted by ComRes, which interviewed 1,007 General Practitioners, found that 87 per cent of GPs believe that too many patients are were turning to them for oral health advice instead of a dentist which is increasing pressure on general practices..

The polling, released during Mouth Cancer Action Month, by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), the professional body representing private and corporate dental practices, also showed that 96 per cent of GPs feel more needs to be done to encourage patients to visit a dentist for oral health related issues.