Prevalence of and reasons for referral of primary care outpatients to dentists in Germany.

AIMS

The aims of this study were to investigate the referral behavior of general practitioners (GP), dermatologists, ear, nose and throat specialists (ENT), and pediatricians to dentists in Germany in 2019. The study took into account the prevalence of referrals since 2010, age groups, gender, and the most common diagnoses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study was based on data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). Referrals to dentists from 540 GPs, 81 dermatologists, 84 ENT specialists, and 95 pediatricians in 2019 were evaluated. The difference in the prevalence of referrals to dentists in 2019 and 2010 was determined using χ-tests.

RESULTS

Of a total of 2,512,003 patients, 766 were referred to dentists in 2019. The prevalence of dental referrals was significantly higher in all practice specialties compared to 2010. For patients treated in GP practices, the highest prevalence was observed in patients aged 51 - 60, 61 - 70, and > 70 (0.03%), for those treated by dermatologists in patients aged 18 - 30 (0.08%), for those treated by ENT specialists in patients aged 41 - 50 (0.07%), and for those treated by pediatricians in patients aged ≤ 5 years. The most common diagnosis in the GP group was osteoporosis, in the dermatologist group it was urticaria, in the ENT group otalgia and effusion of ear, and in the pediatrician group dental caries.

CONCLUSION

Our study reflects an interaction between doctors and dentists that clearly shows that oral health cannot be separated from general health.