Differences in treatment approach between Dutch paediatric dentists and general practitioners, a case control study

Aim This case control study was to assess whether paediatric dentists perform significantly more diagnostic, preventive and curative care in a clinical setting then do general dental practitioners.Methods 16 paediatric dentists were approached and a matching control group of 16 general dental practitioners drawn from an insurance random list were selected based on matching age, practice composition and year of graduation. They were asked by mail to participate. Positive respondents were visited. All children seen during the visit were included in this study. During intra-oral inspection DMFS/dmfs was clinically scored, as were the availability of bitewings, gender, presence of fissure sealants, visibility of plaque and gingivitis and presence of fistulas.Statistics Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS 15, pResults Paediatric dentists treat a greater number of younger children (pConclusions Paediatric dentists perform significantly more diagnostic, preventive and curative care in the clinical situation for 0-6 year old children than do general dental practitioners.