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. 2005 Jun 23:5:3.
doi: 10.1186/1472-6831-5-3.

A randomised controlled trial to explore attitudes to routine scale and polish and compare manual versus ultrasonic scaling in the general dental service in Scotland [ISRCTN99609795]

Brian C Bonner  1 , Linda Young, Patricia A Smith, Wendy McCombes, Jan E Clarkson
Affiliations

A randomised controlled trial to explore attitudes to routine scale and polish and compare manual versus ultrasonic scaling in the general dental service in Scotland [ISRCTN99609795]

Brian C Bonner et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

Background: To investigate, within general dental practice, patients' and vocational dental practitioners' (VDP) attitudes towards the benefits and costs of a simple scale and polish and to compare the experience of using manual versus ultrasonic instruments to scale teeth.

Methods: 28 VDPs and 420 patients participated. Patients were randomly allocated to either group. Patients' and VDPs' attitudes towards, and experience of, the scale and polish were elicited by means of self-administered questionnaires.

Results: The majority of patients (99%) believed a scale and polish was beneficial. VDPs considered ultrasonic treatment to be appropriate on significantly more occasions than they did for manual scale and polish (P < 0.001). Patient discomfort: with ultrasonic scaling 69.2% felt 'a little uncomfortable' or worse compared with 60% of those undergoing manual treatment (P = 0.072). VDPs considered treatment charges were appropriate for 77% of patients.

Conclusion: Routine scaling and polishing is considered beneficial by both patients and vocational trainees. The majority of patients, regardless of treatment method, experience some degree of discomfort when undergoing a scale and polish. VDPs showed a preference for the ultrasonic treatment method.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of patients through the randomised controlled trial.
Figure 2
Figure 2
"Why did you provide a scale and polish for this patient?"
Figure 3
Figure 3
Perceived benefit of scale and polish. Patients: "What do you think is the benefit to you of having a scale and polish?" Dental vocational practitioners: "How do you think the patient will feel they benefited from this scale and polish?"
Figure 4
Figure 4
Patient question: "How much did the scale and polish cost?"
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Vocational Dental Practitioner Trials, Scottish Dental Practice-Based Research Network, avaliable from the Mackenzie Building, Dundee, DD2 4BF. 2003. http://www.tuith.co.uk/webpages/documents/VT TRIALS.doc
    1. Cannavina CD, Cannavina G, Walsh TF. Effects of evidence-based treatment and consent on professional autonomy. British Dental Journal. 2000;188:302–306. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4800463a. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Bonner BC, Clarkson JE, McCombes W. General dental practitioners views on the pursuit and practice of evidence-based dentistry: The results of a questionnaire. 2001. http://www.dundee.ac.uk/tuith/Articles/rt05.htm
    1. Scottish Dental Practice Board Annual Report 2001/02. Edinburgh, UK; 2002.
    1. Adult Dental Health Survey. Office for National Statistics, London, UK; 1998.

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