Key Points
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Presents the range and relative frequency of histological specimens submitted by GDPs.
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Few GDPs regularly submit specimens despite the importance of histopathological confirmation of a clinical diagnosis.
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Small incisional and excisional biopsies are within the scopes of specialist practitioners and GDPs.
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The quality of specimens submitted by GDPs is similar to that of their hospital colleagues.
Abstract
Objectives To determine the range and frequency of diagnoses in specimens submitted for histopathological examination by general dental practitioners (GDPs).
Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out of all cases submitted by GDPs for the period 1974-2003, using a Foxpro™ Windows database. The data were collated into 10 diagnostic categories each comprising number of diagnoses, percentage of each diagnosis within a diagnostic category and each diagnosis as a percentage of total cases.
Results GDPs submitted 6,666 cases out of a total of 53,474 for this period. While the total number of specimens increased four-fold over the 30-year period, specimens from GDPs increased from 7% to 17%. The range of diagnoses increased from 18 to 45. Of the 617 GDPs who submitted material, 279 (45%) submitted less than two specimens each in 30 years. Nine malignant neoplasms were diagnosed. Other significant pathology included 320 benign neoplasms as well as diagnoses ranging from mucosal lesions such as lichen planus to odontogenic cysts.
Conclusions It is clear that GDPs have provided an increased number of biopsy specimens over the last three decades. This reflects an increasing demand by GDPs for a diagnostic oral histopathology service and their use of this service should be encouraged.
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Acknowledgements
The senior author (CDF) who devised the database wishes to acknowledge the diagnostic input to the database of his two colleagues Professor C. J. Smith (now retired) and Dr Geoffrey Craig without whom the database would not be available to use. We also wish to thank the various technicians and secretaries who, over the years, have inputted data and supported the day-to-day work of the surgical diagnostic service.
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Franklin, C., Jones, A. A survey of oral and maxillofacial pathology specimens submitted by general dental practitioners over a 30-year period. Br Dent J 200, 447–450 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4813464
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4813464
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