Minor oral surgery 'specialisation' in general dental practice.

A practitioner with 4 years' hospital oral surgery experience undertook minor oral surgery procedures within a general dental practice over a 4-year period. The variety of work completed is shown. The National Health Service fees for the procedures indicate that a practice limited to minor oral surgery is both practically and financially viable when referral fees and x-rays are included. Differences in the types of procedure undertaken by visiting 'specialist' practitioners and 'specialist' practices is highlighted. A population of 310,000 is suggested for a 'specialist' practice in minor oral surgery to be feasible.